I have a manuel 5 speed 1997 mirage. I am 64 year old female that is tripping because of my just happen problem. My clutch is disengaging fine. I am in 1 st gear and cant do anything else. Reverse was the first gear I couldnt get into. Actually been having a little problem getting into reverse every now and then. I pushed the car backwards enough to where I could go forward. Went into 1 st gear and that was it. When I try shifting the gears its like it is off track. and when I try to put it into reverse or 3rd gear it sounds like it is hitting metal when I try to change gear. could the tranny be shot. Is there any little trick of the trade that I can try to maybe find out what the problem could be.

Not really a side-of-the-road procedure:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-properly-bleed-your-hydraulic-clutch.213503/

I understand that your engine accelerates fine to high RPM's but your car won't move. Since it is a manual transmission car, the problem may be in a slipping clutch. Probably your clutch is worn and slips.
You might need to replace your clutch.

Unhook positive battery cable, the clutch cable or hydraulic slave cylinder to get the transaxle ready for removal. Secure your car in a safe position. Jack up the front. Stabilize engine with a jack below the oil pan. Remove the transaxle. Separate engine from the transaxle. Push transaxle away from the engine. Disengage the bolts around the pressure plate. Take it and the clutch disc out. Follow instructions for replacing the clutch. Take flywheel and old seal out. Install a new seal. Done! Know how to repair cars by http;//www.obd2express.co.uk

Could be the clutch disk, or the clutch master cylinder.

im assuming this is a manual transmission, if so you need to replace the clutch assembly. the clutch disk has worn too thin for the pressure plate to hold at higher rpms and soon wont hold at all.

If its hard to get in all the gears I would try adjusting the clutch first .Look at the clutch cable and linkage to make sure its not bound up or loose.If you have a hydraulic clutch system make sure the fluid is full and the slave cylinder isn't leaking.If all that checks out ok then I recommend taking it to your mechanic and have him inspect the clutch and trans for proper operation.

13 years old, time for a new clutch.

the trans will have to come out, and the clutch components inspected.

You clutch packs have worn out and the not shifting properly when hot confirms this, you may check transmission line pressure, hopefully I am wrong but most likely you need a total transmission rebuild. and a front wheel drive automatic is the most expensive rebuild out there.

I will bet it grinds when you try to engage first or reverse. When this happened on my car, I adjusted the clutch and it improved. You need about a half inch of free play when you first touch the pedal with your foot. If you have a slave cylinder, (hydraulic clutch). You may need to bleed the system. With air in the system, you can't get enough clutch to fully disengage the trans from the motor.(Clutch and pressure plate) It's like you only pushed down half way on the pedal. If it's not hydraulic, it should be adjusted with wrenches. If clutch is fine, It could be a loose shift linkage. It would seem extra sloppy when moving shifter, It would just not go in gear, with out the grinding.Hope this helps. lbreen