What does a dead starter sound like?

[Atlas]

I have a '99 Grand AM, and over the last month it has been abused by someone running it up and down the driveway multiple times a day, revving the engine... basically starting it about 6 times a day and moving it less than 5 feet each time (all of which I found out later).
Several weeks ago I had a dead battery which was replaced with a new one.
Today when I drove the car about 20 miles on a highway and then re-started it after being parked for about 3 minutes, it took about 2 or 3 seconds to start. Normally it starts in less than 1 second. I have heard people say that a bad starter makes a lot of clicking noises. I have never heard a clicking noise in the life of my car, unless I'm defining the "clicking" noise differently. Today it was more of "ch ch ch" or "rr rr rr" before the car completely started. It made this sound 6 times before starting, rather than the usual 1, which is usually barely noticeable.
I'm scared to try to start my car again because I'm afraid it won't start!
Is this irrational? Could this be a starter problem developing? Something else? What type of damage would multiple startings without going anywhere cause?

Thank you.

[99gasc/t]

first what size of motor do u have if u have a 2.4L they make some nosies when u start them. if its a grinding sound then i would say u have a starter problem

[Atlas]

Hi, yep, it's a 2.4L. I drove it twice today and it started fine, so it may have just been the weather or temperature or something when it took a while to start.
Thanks for your help!