2006 Toyota Highlander Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Problems - Stopped working - solutions?

The Ac/heat/vent stopped working while i was out in the rain tonight. I had the defroster on low and then there was a loud "sputtering" noise, kind of like belts hitting against each other, then it just stopped. when i turn the car back on, the ac won't start. does anyone know what the issue is?