dualfoot:
The loopback test failed. Nothing is echoed back. Does this mean that my arduino is broken/bread?
in my understanding not necessarily
it could be a problem with the comp too
with the usb cable you are using
with the port
with the converters
are you using external battery for logic on the board or are you using the usb for power?
if you are using external power sometimes not enough power to run the logic is also a problem.. it happened with me once..
see this error..
( if you have the avrdude on while uploading or compiling you would know)
basically means there is a problem in communication between the board and the comp
it could be wrong setting selected..
make sure you have the bootloader of your board and not some others
make sure that the correct board correct and working port are selecting
apart from that.. honestly.. you are your own debugger.. it is possible anybody saying anything here is irrelevant to you..
trust me
get your hands dirty
rest everyone here is to out to help
take care