Fue pumpl Problem?

I have a 2001 Alero 3.4. Recently, it has not been slightly stalling at higher speeds 50+ mph. This morning, the car would not start. It acts like it is going to turn over but it gets no fuel. The fuel pump does make a buzzing noise. I sprayed start fluid in the air intake and the car fired. I thought that I may have a bad fuel filter so I removed it. It was full of a black gritty material. I was told that if you turn the key to on, fuel should come out of the line where the filter is connected. When doing this, no fuel comes out. Does anybody have any ideas as what this could be? I am thinking that it may be the fuel pump but I want to double check as a new one costs over $250.

Best thing to do is check the fuel pressure with an automotive fuel pressure tester at the Schrader valve located at the right hand side of the rear fuel injector rail and see if it is in specs. The fuel pump is a possibility based on your symptom. See pic below:


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/alerofp.jpg