Cartidge problems and technical support

I have a lexmark x2650.while back I bought a brand new authentic lexmark black cartrigde as the previous one was empty. This is expensive. From that day onwards I have not been able to print. The printer gives me the message that both cartridges are empty. This is not the case however, because I know that the ink is full. I have tried everything the Lexmark service centre suggest as well as help off the internet. Nothing is working. Now I wanted to phone lexmark, but you can only go through the technical support website. In order to get an answer I now have to pay (via credit card) over R300. I have spent so much on this printer already. How can they ask you money to give technical support when the problem is with their product? Almost ready to dump this printer in the trash.