I'm pretty sure that would require high voltages. Hardly at 5V.Originally posted by Un4gIvEn1
Also, putting in an LED backwards CAN destroy it.
Now THAT could destroy the LED since there is no current limitation (very short time could be ok, but don't count on it). You should definately use a resistor even if it's harder.If you hooked it up wrong once and it won't work you may try testing the LED with an external power source. Try using a AAA battery and only for a second.