dies when i put it in gear

Hello, I took the gages out of my sentra to paint around the frame but didn't finish my project in time before I had to use it. I drove my daughter a short distance to her school. Got home and the next few days it just sat there but when I started it to go get more paint, I only got half way and it died. At first it wouldn't start until I got some cabels and jump started it. Now it starts but dies when I put it into gear to go. Did I mess up the car driving it without tbhe gages one time or just a fluke. If so or whichever way this occured, I'm curious. Is there an easy fix or solution to my problem? Can you give me anyh advice to my situation? I really need this car, its my only real form of transpertation. Thanks sincererly Rebecca