[lnfletcher]

First off, you "should" not be able to "turn it around". There is a problem with the socket or you have a single filiment bulb.

Get a cheap tester and test each of the contacts in the socket while the lights or on. This will give you an idea of the problems location. If each of the contacts work correctly, then look at the bulb type. Also, make sure that both of the contacts in the socket are possitive and the socket side is negative (or ground). I have seen a person wire one of the contacts as ground and the side as possitive.