Yes you can keep trying to efile the same return. You can efile 5 different returns for free.
And here's some info about Efiling.
For the Desktop program you can check the filing status inside the program. Open your return and go up to menu item
File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status
When you efile you get back 2 emails. The first email only confirms the transmission. The second email says if the IRS (or state) Accepted or Rejected your efile. And check your spam folder for them.
So after it gets accepted you should open the return and update the status. Then save your return. And be in the habit of saving frequently. Go up to File-Save.
