Windshield Wipers Work but Store in Up Position

The windshield wipers in my 99 Passat work fine when they are on...low, high, intermittent, etc. However, when the wipers are off (no power) they store in the middle of the windshield. I have read several possibilities for the problem...short in the system, bad motor, and a bent tab within the motor. Has anybody else had this problem? If so what is the fix? Oh...it all started when there was a ton of snow on the windshield and I tried to let the wipers push it away...what was I thinking?

thanks,
Quince