why would the tail lights stop working ?

sounds like the fuse blew again. replacing it does not fix it till you find the reason the fuse blew. Roy

check the tail light housing where the light socket twist locks, is it cracked ?, remove socket, check surface where socket makes contact ( lightly push on edge of hole with a small screw driver, contact surface should not flex ) if it flexes or you see a crack, replace tail light assembly, that's what is causing your fuse to blow.