Problems shifting manual Saturn...?

Probably transmission - especially since it's 11 years old. My jeep got so bad, I had to drive it to the repair shop entirely in 3rd gear (lowest gear I could start in without stalling, and could drive up to 45 mph).

my mom has a 96 as well, there is a clip that can be replaced in the gear shift. Saturn actually came to me and replaced it for free. Very easily fixed.

Have you ever had the clutch replaced? If its not disengaging properly the syncros will not allow shifting unless you force it to shift. At least have it checked and adjusted. It could be as simple as a stickey throwout bearing, but to replace that they need to take the trans off so you may aas well have the clutch and pressure place replaced while they are in there.

It's the shifter mechanism. Those shifters are really cheap and poorly made. They have plastic retainers that attach the linkage to the shifter and those start to crack and wear. Take it to have it looked at it eventually will fall apart and you will not be able to shift.