Well, i've unlearnt lots of skills myself. I totally buggered up my Death Knight <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohh.gif" alt="" /> It costs depending on level. For example:
I taught a summoned creature (skeleton) a skill. To unlearn it was only 12000 (or close to that).
A Death Knight skill (he is level 27) cost around 26000+ to unlearn.
One payment should unlearn the skill totally. Are you sure there is enough money to cover the cost? If not this sounds very weird.
I've taught my death knight; 1 handed slashing, (unlearnt), 2 handed slashing (unlearnt) and 2 handed crushing (Current). All use the same original square the 1 handed slashing was on.
I'm just as confused as you are, this sounds weird. It's like different copies of the game work differently. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />