Plz Help - Car Goes Vrrruuuuut

I just bought a 2nd hand suzuki sierra softtop 1989, and many times i go to start it, i turn the ignition key and the engine makes a VVVVRUUUUT sound (that is the best way i know how to describe it!). Mum sez it is becuz the engine is already running wen I go to start it, but plz tell how an engine could be running after 3 hours sitting in a carpark or 9 hours in the garage???? It is winter here in austalia at the moment if that is any consequence???? It did this spring too, so I don't no....
Any help would be gr8ly appriciated.
PS i have tried to starting it in nuetral with the clutch in or
in 1st with the clutch in or
in nuetral with the clutch out - same thing happens.

It's the starter, the gear isn't meshing with the gear on the flywheel - does the suzuki use a bendix drive, or a solenoid? Anybody know the answer to this?

What is the cause of this non-meshiness? Is it possible that I caused this by accidently trying to start the car while it was already running? AND is this an expensive thing to fix? Anyone...?:bloated: