wont start but starter spins

i have a 99 saturn sl2 auto. 130k on it. for 2 weeks now when i start it its been making a loud noice. but today it wont start. but sounds like the starter motor is spinning but thats all that happens(just the spinning moise). The drive belt jerks a little then stops. battery is fine. even tried jump starting it. what do u guys think? starter solenoid? let mw know. any help is appreciated.
thanks

Possibly bad battery conections or grounds. Make sure all are clean and corrosion free. Otherwise its a bad starter. Replace it and you should be good to go.

update:

replaced the starter and it started. but bad news is i took the old starter to be tested and it came out good. it was only slightly worn. but was told that it was not the starters fault. What do u guys think the actual problem is? maybe worn fly wheel?

Starter bench testers cannot duplicate actual operating conditions.

^^^^^ They only can test to be sure the gear comes out and engages the flywheel. They can not test to see if the starter has enough torque to turn the engine.

The overunning clutch on the starter drive could be slipping.

So what do you think I should be doing? I'm worried its gonna fail again before long. Should I be replacing anything else? or let it be.

It sounds like the starter was not able to kick the gear out to connect with the fly wheel. If thats the case than the new starter will take care of it. It sounds like that is what you have described anyways.

Drive it and see what happens. If its starting now than I would be pretty confident in the repair. Theres no sense in worrying about it until it happens again if it happens again. Half the fun of owning them is wondering when and what will break next!:biggrin:

^^^^^ +1. Usually a new starter is all that is needed.