97 Saturn SL2 1.9 Liter: Tail Lights and Dash Lights Out

With 109,000 miles:

Recently my dash and tail lights cut out. Today I bought new fuses from NAPA and replaced the single fuse that controls both thinking it was obviously the problem.

I'm not sure if you shouldn't do this but I replaced the fuse with the light switch turned on to make sure it was the right fuse when I replaced it.

The lights briefly flashed and then died. Then trying again they would not light up anymore. I would then put another new fuse in this time with the lights off and once again the lights flashed and then quickly died.

I have already received a ticket for this and need to drive home from work at night and this is a serious safety issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Did I blow something while having the lights turned on while replacing the fuse or is it another issue?