Repairs PTO Switch Won't Engage after Drive Belt Replacement

I am no mechanic but I felt I could take on changing the drive belt on my LT1042. I managed to get the new belt on and everything back together and everything seemed to be okay. The only thing that concerned me is that there is an electrical wire with connectors. I found the corrisponding connector and pushed the wires onto the spades. I then tried to start the tractor and it wouldn't start. I tried, probably a little too long, until a puff of smoke came out of some part (maybe the starter? Not sure.) Anyway, my battery was almost dead so I stopped and put a charger on the battery. That was a few days ago. Today I went out to start the Cub Cadet again and it started right up with a good battery charge, however, now the PTO won't engage the blades. I'm not sure where to start - as I said I'm not much of a mechanic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Check fo power at the harness plug near PTO clutch with a 12volt test light. Check wires going to PTO clutch for damage.