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If you hear a whirring sound when the key is turned to start, but the engine does not turn, the problem is probably the starter 'bendix'. It is located on the starter, and consists of a sprial gear with another gear mounted on the sprial, and a spring. I am fairly sure this is the method of operation (but I am not an expert on the operation) When the starter is used by turning the key, it needs to engage the flywheel to crank the engine. But after the engine starts, it needs to release the flywheel or the flywheel will begin to run the starter and will simply tear it apart from high rpm. (The crankshaft is geared along the outer edge and is quite large compared to the gear on the starter). So, when you hit the key, the starter gear moves along the sprial gear and engages the flywheel (from centrifugal force). Once the engine starts and you release the key, the spring returns the starter gear to it's resting position so the flywheel is not in contact with the starter. It sounds like you could have a broken spring or gear on the starter. Depending on the make of car, the bendix is generally available as a component for the starter. You may want to check the price difference between a bendix and the entire starter, and how much work it would be for you to replace the bendix. Also, if you plan on keeping the car for a while, you may decide that the bendix failure is only the first shoe to drop on a starter going bad. Good luck.
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