Was this an LR Ego-T atomizer or standard res? I wouldn't expect a standard resistance atomizer to die that quickly but with atomizers anything can happen. I guess you already checked for leaked fluid in the
threaded area If it was gurgling when it wasn't working then it could be flooded - you could try blowing it out into a tissue (I am assuming - never used a T atomizer).
Re contact - you don't have a spare battery to try it on? You should always have a spare battery. I would not expect a contact problem though unless you have been screw things on as far as possible instead of just enough to contact and work. Screwing things on as far as possible can cause the center post of the battery to be pressed down too far ad stay down.
