2000 Ford Explorer bendix clicks but dosen't turn flywheel

i have a 2000 explorer. was running fine, shut it off at a friends house. and a few hours later tried to start it but nothing.. no click no nothing. all the dashboard lights are working and come on when you turn the key. but when turned to the crank position it does nothing. i replaced the battery and starter, the car still does the same thing. turn the key and nothing.
the vehicle has an automatic starter. when i tried that i could hear the bendix gear click but still no crank. it tries to start the car 4 or 5 times then stops. i,m really at my wits end, i have checked all the fuses even the high power fuses under the dash but there all good.