You can make logos look 3d without shadows and gradients. It's hard to give a tutorial without showing you in person, but I can provide some examples that might help get you going:
http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?...b8eusd7zplkd2x
http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=6859
http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?...9zre7gku4vmnte
When it comes to logos, simple is always better. They say a good logo should be able to be identified when drawn in the sand with your finger.