Try leaving it in a bag of rice. I have done this with my phone before and it completly sucks the moisture out of it. Take it apart, and put it in the bag for an hour or so

 

If you do need to get a new remote, FWIW, my dealership didn't charge me for the programming. They were initially going to charge me 1 hour of "reduced labor" at $65. Instead, a guy walked out, stuck the keys in and I was on my way.

 

Similar situation/different circumstances: My key AIN'T comin' back!

My daughter's dipstick boyfriend left his keys and her "ONLY" flip key (along with keys to my restaurant, my house, her apartment . . . Oh, how I wish I could wring his neck) in his car which was (duh!) promptly stolen. The Audi dealer cut us a new blade and sold us a new remote (early 2001 A4 1.8t Q/pre-immobilzer). We were told the new remote could not be programmed to operate the central locking unless another, functional remote was present. Is this true? Is it REALLY impossible to program a single remote when all original keys are missing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Update: Found ONE locksmith in central Ohio with the capability to mill an Audi key. Got a valet style plain key for $45. Used that in the ignition and tried to program the remote, using the instructions found elsewhere on this site. The procedure failed. Looked elsewhere for instructions/found more accurate procedure. I now have two keys that turn the cylinders and start the engine, and one fully functional flip key. Total cost of the consequences of the idiot leaving his keys in the car: $925 (and I still wish I could wring his neck)!!! ;^)