car won't start

my c230 was not driven for about 4 weeks and i believe the battery went dead. Nothing was wroking(alarm, lights, etc). I tried to jump start the car but was unsucessful. When I hooked up the jumper cable from my frind's car to mine, the lights came on and others(window, stereo) seem to work. When I turn my key to start it, it just makes strange noise and won't start. What can I do to get out of this trouble? Bad ignition? Loose conncetion? thanks for your help.

ps: i heard placing shift gears in different position can help??

[rudy]

Tom, ..charge the battery or replace it with the correct cranking amps. It seems that it doesn't have enough juice to crank the engine. Now, ..if the engine starts up, ..check your alternator for proper operation. Make sure that it is charging the battery. A reading of 13.8 V or greater is an indication of proper charging. Let me know what you found out.....

mine is 97 with the switchblade key. I charged my battery long enough(20minutes) before i attempted to turn the key to start the car. At first, it sounded like the car would start right away. But, the car shakes for about 3 secs (while turning the key clockwise) and the noise sort of fades away. The battery is relatively new. Thank you for the help. It seems to be there is not enough juice(weak starter) to star the car, as rudy said.