Well, not getting a reliable spark and at the correct times won't start the engine!
Ignition system afaik is not fused, so loose fuses won't affect ignition, but might affect electric fuel pump, if fitted?
Is there any alarm/immobiliser unit fitted to your car? This can stop the sparks!
You think there may be a short? any particular reason you say this?
For the car to start you need compression, fuel and ignition.
You said the car started 3 times, so can prob. rule out compression problems.
That leaves fuel and ignition
Gasoline (petrol) 'goes off' if left lying for many months, if so, you need to drain and use some fresh fuel.
If there is no ignition, the spark plugs should be getting wet with gasoline when it fails to start.
If so, then you either don't have sparks or not at the right times.
Try pulling the king (coil) lead from the distributor cap, hold the end about 1/4 inch from a metal part of the engine (use insulated pliers to avoid risk of shock). Spin the engine over and see if you are getting regular sparks.
Come back then and maybe someone can help further. It would be helpful to know if you have electronic ignition or coil/points ignition as the test procedures are different, also when it did start, how did it start, i.e. normally, only after a lot of turning over, did it run normally and rev up or did it cut-out etc.
AL.