Problem with HP printer and Laptop.

I think I finally found the problem. After fooling with uninstalling installing printer etc. I removed the black cartridge and closed the lid and the blinking stopped cleaned cartridge with paper towel re installed started blinking again. I installed an empty black cartridge and the blinking stop, tried to print and it went through cycle. My conclusion is that I refilled the cartridge at Costco and it worked fine for awhile until a week ago. Has anyone else had this problem with Costco refills? I will buy a new one any try that out to be sure that is the problem. Thanks for your help.