I thought I was switching the direction of the fan by sliding a button on the top of the fan. However, it shut the fan off entirely and now it or the light will not turn on... its the summer and I really need my fan to work! :(

Is it a remote fan?

It is possible a wire came loose on that switch.

Its not a remote fan

So the fan has pullchains, and a switch on top of the fan?

General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-general-troubleshooting-and-FAQ.php)