2000 Volkswagen Jetta Won't Start

This message was asked to an extent already. Heavy rains last month left puddles all over my town. I was pulling into my house and had to pass through a puddle about 8" deep for about 100 feet. I was going maybe 8mph and when I reached the end of the puddle my car stalled and died. This was 2 weeks ago. I tried to start it the next day. It seemed like I had spark due to the fact the engine was turning over. I contacted a local volkwagen dealership and they asked me if there was gas in the car. I ran home and put a couple gallons in just to see if maybe my gas gauge malfunctioned. The car turned and turned. After about 20 seconds the car started but quickly stalled. The engine made a much higher pitched noise when it started and died immediately. I was also told that there could possibly be water in the cylinders and that I should take the spark plugs out and start the engine and let all of the water shoot out. Could this be a serious engine problem like a blown cylinder? Or should I try and take the plugs out and see if there is any water in there. Or could it be a blocked fuel filter? Thanks in advance for any help.

Tim