94 altima 5 speed A/C locking up?!

I'm pretty sure my compressor is locking up... when i turn it on, the belt will often squeal, and even after turning off the a/c i have to shut the engine off in order to stop the squealing. THe car has stalled before because of the belt screeching or whatever. Is there ANY way to unlock the ac compressor or does this mean i have to go get the damn thing replaced??? And until then, should i just remove the a/c belt so that it does not strain the serpentine belt??? Thanks!

Yeah just sounds linke the clutch is out on the compressor.