1997 Chevy Cavalier has been whining, just quit

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my car has been whining for a couple of months and the other day stopped in the middle of an intersection. We waited for about 1/2 hr and tried to start it agiain but it wouldn't catch. It was almost like it wanted to catch as I was turning it off. The guy that usually fixes my car says he is not really sure what it might be as he is not all that familiar with this type of car. He suggested it may be one of two things: the timing chain or the fule filter. Up until now I have had excellent luck with this car and am not ready to give it up do you have any suggestions?