starting problems with golf GL 1990

I cannot start the engine. When the key is turned to a position when the silenoid should start to rotate, a door-switch relay starts to play the sound, as if the front door were open, and the key inside a starting lock. But engine will not rotate. There may be some kind of shortage. Does anyone know at what places it could most likely be? It happen only if the engine is hot. Thanks...

can you turn the motor over by hand?

have is the starter going at all? or are you getting nothing?

more info please.

-naterkane

good logic but it was ignition switch. i already replaced it and works OK.... thx

i have a 96 golf cl, and i can't get it to start with teh key. if i push it and kick the clutch it starts easily and everything runs fine. occasionally while driving, it makes 2 short beeps at what seems to be random intervals. temperature and oil/gas levels are ok...??
when the key is turned to ignition pos, it sounds like the starter motor is turning (or almost turning) but the engine doesn't turn. could this be the battery? i took it to a mechanic and he was sure it was the startermotor, so replaced it and it started fine according to him once. when we turned it off and tried to start it again the same thing happneded, low noise from the starter but engine not turning.???? i checked all the fuses, and they're ok. there's 12 v at the starter terminal, and when the key is in start position there's 12 volts at the red wire going to starter/solenoid????
it's so frsutrating... the car was just fine before winter, any ideas? i'd hate to have to change another part that makes no difference. any pointers will be appreciated.
thanks.