Funny running problem with my car (not so funny actually)

I parked my 2000 Metro just a few weeks ago, waiting for new tires, and it ran fine. Yesterday, I went out to start it, and it tried to turn over but then quickly died. Then I tried again to start it, but all it did was crank, and didn't act like it was even remotely interested in trying to start. So, I go back to it today, and I have my daughter crank it over, and it tried to hit, but that was short lived. Then I get it in and try and it just cranks with no hint of trying to hit. Then, I decide to do what she was doing, and hold down the gas pedal. It tried to hit after about 3 seconds, but then after letting off the gas pedal, it quickly acts not interested in trying to start again and just simply cranks. I know I'm getting fire, but I'm not sure where to start looking from here. Please help me out, and thanks!