Nursing student needs help with fuse prob.

Hi everyone, I need help. About two monts ago my 96 stratus would not start. I had to replace a fuse. Yesterday, when I went to leave school my car would not start again. I didnt think it was the battery because everything worked. I tried jumping it anyway and it didn't work. I checked the fuses and none of them were blown but then the car started so I assumed one was knocked loose. This morning I went out to make sure my car started and it did. I turned it off and got ready. I then went out and started it and started to pull away when I noticed I left lights on in my house so I shut it off and went back and turned all my lights off. When I tried to start the car again it will not start. I can here that the fuel pump is engaging but the car will just click, no cranking. Does any one have any suggestions? I replaced all of the fuses with new ones and that still did not help.

You need a new battery. About $40

Update: This morning, I realized that I had left the key on all night so it was completely drained. I jumped it and it almost turned over several times but then nothing just the click again. We took the tire off and took the battery out and put another one in. Still nothing.

Possibly the starter motor is binding.

How can I check the starter? Do I have to take it off?
Does anyone have any other suggestions?

If I need a fuel filter will the car still start?

I have a 2000 sounds like the same problem i had with mine its the starter solenoid going out if you keep turing the key it will start soon or later. one those cars it best to replace the whole starter and not just the solenoid