1998 Toyota 4Runner emergency brake light on

98 4runner ltd 176000 miles. same problem: e-brake light goes on and off. that's been happening for a while. when i pull the e-brake lever, there is no resistance. i've already replaced the cable once. but now, when i start the car and put it into drive, it won't go! i have to really step on the gas and then the whole car jerks and THEN goes into gear! what gives?