Orbitz complaint: No refund. Failed rebooking

I booked a flight for $315.40 in January 2020. Then Covid hit. I could not get a refund but credit only. Then two years of failing to contact Orbitz or American Airlines despite repeated phone calls, emails, etc. Usually I would get hung up on or have to wait on hold for over an hour until I gave up. Finally in March of this year I got through by phone (I am deaf and use a phone relay system.) No refund, credit only. I went ahead with a rebooking to use the credit of $315. At the time to give payment, Orbitz added about $250 on top of the $315 credit. I had at the time the American Airlines page open on my computer and their rate was close to $315. I am a pensioner, age 76, and cannot afford this additional fee. I dropped the rebooking and Orbitz still holds my money. They used a gotcha clause that denies me a refund. I am less able to travel now and would like a refund now.