Hi Peggy,
I'm no expert, but it sounds like the "neutral safety switch" might not be set right. I'm not suggesting you try this, but if it was me, I would pull out the tab or "little door" next to the gear shift. This is the shift release. I would push my key into and move the shifter back and forth. It is designed to allow you to "unlock" your shifter when it becomes stuck.
This may realign it, or it may not help at all.
