2002 Kia Spectra heater

You said a lot of stuff but you didn't say what's happening or provide any observations or clues.

"when I try turing the control knob to the heater position it doesn't work".

What doesn't work, the knob? The fan? You get cold air?

"I've gone as far as checking the hoses for heat after driving the car".

That's one of the first things I would have told you to do, but what did you find? The upper radiator hose and the heater hoses should be too hot to hold onto for very long. If they are, you likely have a cable or actuator problem with the heater box. The heater core is getting hot but the mode door isn't moving to cause the air to blow through it. Do you have electronic, vacuum-operated, or manual controls with cables and levers?

If the upper radiator hose is hot but the heater hoses are not, first look if there's a water valve inline with one of them. Check if that valve is switching open and closed when switching between AC and heat.