My Airpods won't connect to my Iphone XS

My airpods will not connnect. I get no animation available to connect, when i open the lid nothing happens. I have disconnected the airpods by forgetting the device and my iphone does not pick up its bluetooth signal. I have followed the instructions of resetting the airpods by holding the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light goes amber, however my airpods don't do this. I open lid, hold the button for MORE than 15 seconds and i get a flashing white light for the first 10 and then nothing for the rest. I am quite disappointed in this product as i just purchased it less than a month ago. I have been unable to find any solution to this issue any help would be much appreciated.