My starter will not engage on my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee??

I am having some problems starting my Jeep Grand Cherokee. When I put the key in and turn it forward, it goes all the way forward, without engaging anything, it will not catch.

I was recently using an 'old' key which took a lot of 'back and forth' trying to get it to fit and start - so I dont know if I stripped something.
However when I turn the key forward, it skips a little bit before going all the way forward.

Is this a quick fix or a serious problem? Is there any way to get it to start once so that I can drive it to a safe location?

Thanks in advance. this could be a ignition switch problem but theres other things too that can cause this. could the battery be dead? did u try to jump start it? the easyest place to start would be to try and jump start it and see if anything happens.