Got a whiny noise

I have a 1999 Ford Taurus. The noise sounds like it's coming from the tranny. I just did some power steering work on the car so I figured it was just that, but now second gear is not shifting in so well, especially when it's cold. Also, I noticed it would quit making the noise in between shifting from park to reverse, drive, etc... for a second then start again. I am leaning towards changing the filter and fluid, but sometimes that can be more trouble than to just leave it alone. If it is the tranny, what would would make it wind, even in park?

If it is coming from the transmission, it is more than likely the front pump making the noise. the transmission will work until the pump quits and then the transmission is broken too.

Well, I fixed it. :) I decided to change the filter and fluid and I added in some Lucas. The filter was very dirty and the fluid was dark. It probably hasn't been changed in a long time and I just bought the car a few weeks ago. Sounds and shifts perfect now. :) Now I am up to having $2,300 into a 1999 Taurus SE with about 130k on it.