| There is a website called "auction sniper" that lets you enter the details and then the site will take care of bids for you up to your pre-stated limit. It places a winning bid within 5 seconds prior to the auction closing.
I hear you get 3 free tries and then you pay for each 'snipe'
Could be that you're up against such tactics.
In my view it's the only way to stand a chance a winning your desired item. If you don't somebody else will.....
Dial-up Vs broadband could be another reason your are outbid as a dial-up connection takes longer to refresh the pages once you enter your bid. | 
Guido
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