well if you send it back to apple they will more than likely send it back to you without touching it as you have voided your warranty . . . jailbreaking is a no no but we all love to do it.
( personally I am waiting for the 3GS jailbreak )
Regardless, sounds like you may have pulled the wires from the inside I would guess that if you purchased a new set ( or used a set from an iPod ) try that and see if that works for you.
Cat