Arduino Uno blow up?

This is the error I get.
I see no led's indicating communication.

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

I just buy a new one...

What'd I do:
I got a stepper motor on a big 36V battery.
I use an arduino to drive the motor driver.
I was playing with a pot to simulate a steering wheel and use the stepper motor for steering a small cart.
I have no idea what went wrong.

Cheers,
ToAd