Why do I owe money after I amended my tax return? Even though I’ve never received a return from the irs

Why did you not get the original refund ?   Has it simply not arrived yet ?  You must wait to get the original refund BEFORE you mail in the amended return.

...  Look at the form 1040X …

Column A should have the figures from the original return, Column C the corrected figures and Column B the differences between the other 2 which needs an explanation on page 2 of the form 1040X.

If you completed it correctly you will see an entry on either line 16 OR 18:

On line 16 should be the amount you paid with your original return. 

On line 18 should be the amount of your original refund you received.

Then you will see your extra refund on line 22 OR  the new balance due you need to pay on line 20.

First ... do NOT amend the return before you have received the original refund !!!