Why doesn't my car start? - 1

When I turn the key to try to start it all it does is make high pitch squeaking noise like its trying to. I have ford tempo 1994 lx with 70k miles. Also when i switch gears it makes an awful screeching sound. I did have someone with a little knowledge look at it and he said that power isn't getting to the distributor but i don't know if that can be the case.

Your starter bendex is worn out or you have ground down teeth on the flywheel… Removing the starter will allow you to inspect the flywheel if the teeth look good replace the starter