windshield wipers not working

Hi, I have a 99 VW passat gls 6 cyl. sedan. The other day my wipers wouldn't come on. We recently had an ice storm and I'm not sure if the wipers were on when I was thawing out the car. I checked the fuse, and it is fine. Would someone give me advice on this problem, and instructions on replacing the wiper motor if it comes to that? Thanks