5 speed stuck in reverse!

1997 Saturn SL1 with 5 speed manual transmission, stuck in reverse! Just happened today, but previously had problem downshifting into 1st. Is it the linkage and if so, is it an easy fix or does it have to go to mechanic? How much is repair cost? Help! It's been a great car up until now. Any help or advise greatly appreciated!

Definitely have the shift linkage checked ?

can we just look at it and tell, or is it pretty hard to see?

There is no shifter linkage. It's cables. Does the shifter move or is it stuck also? If the shifter moves around but won't come out of reverse, you may have a broken shifter cable.

Or a broken cable end. Check where the cables meet the tranny and under the console under the shifter. If its the plastic end that broke new ones can be bought off ebay