03 Taurus whining noise

Ok, I have an 03 SEL with 42,000 miles on it and I hear a whing noise coming from the front end of my car at speeds between 30 and 60. It is a smooth whining that when I step on the pedal to accelerate it get louder and when I slow down it slows down. I dont think it is anything major, just wondering what it is, Tranny maybe? I dont recall it doing this when i first got it and I know my last taurus didnt do it. Any insight from you experts out there.

Possibilities are.

Any of the pulley driven devices off the serpantine belt..are popular whiners.
Water pump, air conditioner pump, idle pulley, alternator, power steering.
These all can whine .. but you can trouble shoot some by turning the wheel when stopped and see if it changes the sound. Turn off and on the Air conditioning and see if it changes the sound some.
Usually a mechanic can hear these clearly by just opening the hood and listening...
Taurus... powersteering pump then alternator..
Not bad to replace..