My Bf has a 1999 saturn SL1 and he lost the key to it... he took to to the car dealiship showed them his papers and they gave him a new key... but the new key does not work. it works on the door and the trunk but not in the ignition... they said he wore down the tumblers... and now he tore it all apart and i don't know how to fix it now? any suggestions? oh yeah and we are broke. =] always a good thing

Below are instructions for changing the lock cylinder as well as a few diagrams. Best of luck.
Greg

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the lock cylinder bezel from the steering column shroud by carefully prying with a thin bladed screwdriver.
3. Remove the shroud fasteners and remove the steering column upper and lower shroud panels.
4. Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and rotate to the RUN position. Then rotate the ignition cylinder back to the ACC position.
5. Depress the locking button on the side of ignition module assembly with a thin pick-type tool. Slide the lock cylinder assembly from the ignition module.

1. Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and install into the ignition module.
2. Install the steering column upper and lower shroud panels and the shroud fasteners.
3. Install the lock cylinder bezel.

Take the switch to a lock smith and see if it can be fixed, if not, you will need a new one, or try a junk yard that has one with a key.
I know you said you were broke, but there is only a few choices. Good Luck.