Speedodmeter / Trans Issues????

Today my speedodmeter quit working on my 97 (150k miles)Sable and it feels like I have no power steering. I checked the fluid level is fine, the belt is good (just 1 belt on the car). Ok not so bad, but then all of a sudden it wouldn't shift out of 1st gear. I checked the trans fluid is fine. I turned the car off and back on and pulled away and the speedodmeter was working and the car ran fine, shifted normaly, sterring was ok again, however when I stoped at a light and started to go agin the speedodmeter stopped and the steering went and it shifts VERY HARD, but did shift. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong??? I hope it's not the trans, but I think if it was the trans it wouldnt work at all. And why does it run fine when the speedodmeter starts to work and run bad when it doesn't??? I thank you for your help.
TJ [email protected]

probably the Vehicle Speed Sensor