So. i drove it to work and went to start it up...... it cranks. but it refuses to turn on. how can i check if my fuel pump went out? or could it be something along the lines of something more retarted.

What i checked...
oil-ok
electrical plugs-seems good

GIVE ME HELP

 

id first start by checking for spark with a skrew driver, if theres spark i would move onto fuel. On the fuel filter, theres a little service bolt, loosen that up and turn the key on to see if there is fuel pressure. check that and then let us know whats up.

 

is this happening in cold, rainy weather?

hmm, i'd check the ignition system first:
(anyone feel free to jump in and correct me)

starter (seems to be working from the cranking noise),
distributor cap and rotor(moisture getting in?broken?),
distributor (not working/seized)
sparkplugs and wires (sounds okay from your post)
alternator (not moving),
in a manual car there is also a tiny switch connected to the top of the clutch pedal that could also be faulty,
battery(not holding charge, needs replacement)
belts(check if any are missing or torn, look for the alternator belt)

do a few searches on those too, hope this helps.

 

well if the car is turning over but not fireing up, belts, alterntor and clutch switch wouldnt have anything to do with the car not running. that being said, an engine needs fuel,spark air and timing to run correctly, so its missing something!

does the car crank over at normal speed?
does it try to start?
can you hear the main relay come on and click? fuel pump buzzing?

theres just so many different variable that it could be.