theft system? starter? fuel pump?

First let me admit that I know little to nothing about cars. Now, here's my question - I have a '97 Malibu that got me home for lunch but wouldn't start when I was ready to head back to work. It'll turn over, but won't catch to actually start. I had a problem with the theft system a month or so ago and this doesn't seem to be the same problem. With the theft system issue that I had the car would start - it just wouldn't stay running. Now it won't start at all. Any idea how I can determine if it's the theft system again, or if the starter or the fuel pump has gone out? Or is there another possibility that I should look into? By the way, I just had the battery replaced earlier this summer so I don't think that's it.

Here is a quick way to check if it is your fuel pump:

While in the car, turn off the radio, cooling fan, and any other sources of noise. Next, turn your key to the AC position. As soon as the key is turned to the AC position, you should here a hum that will last 2-3 seconds. This hum is your fuel pump pumping gas to the engine. If you here nothing but silence, chances are your fuel pump is bad.

The bad news is these are pretty pricey to replace.
:banghead:

Hey, quick fix!!
First check to see how much gas you have. Next check the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is working then good.
If your gas is kinda low, get a tank and fill it up about 3-5 gallons.
This happend to my car and i went crazy. It turned out to be the FUEL SENDER UNIT. This thing tells the gauge how much gas is left. You may think you have gas according to the gauge, but the tank my be empty.
This sucks cuz its mounted on the fuel pump itself. So your going to have to drop the tank and take out the fuel pump.
I got my sender unit WITH fuel pump (thats how its sold) at a junkyard for only 75. Then i paid a guy another 80 to help me out with the tank. You need a buddy to help hold the tank as you undo the metal straps and unplug the lines. The fuel pump assembly pops right out. Takes about 1.5 hours.
Doit yourself and avoid the 300-400 dollar dealer cost!
But put some gas in to check!
When you put some gas in, turn your key to acc for 5 secs then back off for like 5 times to prime your gas lines.
good luck!! let us know!

Same thing happened to my '99 Malibu. In addition, the theft system light was flashing. I called my mechanic who advised me to "lock and unlock the car several times manually, with my key". It was weird; the car started. Good luck.

After sinking another $200+ into getting a new ignition cylinder we traded the car in on a brand new Malibu Maxx. Liked the looks, options and price of it so much that we were willing to give the Malibu another try. Hopefully we won't regret it. I'm loving the new car so far. Did buy the extra warranty for it though - just in case.