Computer no longer detecting Arduino Uno.

[akadouri]

I have an Arduino Uno that I purchased from http://www.adafruit.com/products/193/.
I got it 3 days ago and have been experimenting since then. Recently I went to try plug it into the computer and try something and my computer won't detect the Arudino. I tried a different usb cable, different ports, and a different computer. Also this region http://i40.tinypic.com/2vmsto8.jpg seems to get hot whenever I connect the board to a power source (either USB or 9V plug). The green light still turns on when I connect it, and the other built in LED turns on. The last program I was using had 12 and 13 on HIGH and they are still like that. Any ideas on how I could fix it/if I destroyed it?

[adafruit_support_bill]

Can you be more specific about which component is getting hot? The small chip in the center of the area you indicate (marked LPFL) is the 3.3v regulator. Does it heat up with no other connections to the board?

[akadouri]

The only thing connected to the board is the USB cable. To be more specific the black thing in the middle of the circle is what is getting hot. http://i43.tinypic.com/1zzhp2r.jpg

[akadouri]

I also tried removing the ATMEGA328. It still gets hot.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Sounds you have something pulling too much current from the 3.3v regulator. If there is nothing connected to the 3.3v pin, then it must be something on the board itself. You can examine the board carefully for any stray wires or solder spatter.

[akadouri]

I don't see anything stray, no wires are connected, I tried putting a wire in 3.3v and seeing if something was stuck. Looked fine, still gets hot. Should I submit for an exchange or did I cause this?

[adafruit]

during your experimentation, what were you doing? it sounds like you may have put 5V or 9V into the 3.3V pin

[akadouri]

I may have when I was connecting an old RC car's wheels, instead of plugging it from 3.3 to ground. I didn't realize the Arduino was that delicate. I guess I'll have to buy another one. I knew once I smelled the burning I killed it.

[mtbf0]

this individual deserves a blue smoke badge. an arduino is a difficult beast to put down.