The job of the battery is pretty straight forward during the starting process. It supplies power to make the engine spin over (crank). I don’t think that the battery is the problem. However, have the battery charged at a local auto parts store. Some will charge it for free so call around to see if the stores in your area will.
If you are able to get the engine to spin over, even by using jumper cables, then that part of the equation is taken care of.
The fact that once it does spin over, it still doesn't start is the problem we need to figure out.
An engine needs compression, fuel and, at the proper time, a spark at the spark plug wires in order to start.
Since you can get it to spin over, I suggest checking fuel pressure first since its easier (your engine has a Schrader valve (looks like the one on a tire where you put air in), where you can connect a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure (fuel pressure is important since pressure is needed to make the fuel spray from the fuel injectors into the engine).
In case you don’t have a fuel gauge (or can’t rent one) you can circumvent the entire fuel system by removing the large air tube that runs from the air filter to the intake manifold (called the air snorkel), spray carburetor/throttle cleaner into the intake manifold. Re-install the snorkel and then try to start the engine.
If now it starts (and runs for a couple seconds), or at least attempts to start; then you know that the problem is fuel related and more testing of the fuel system is needed.
If it doesn't try to start, we must test the ignition system and check for compression as well.
Let me know how it goes, or if you need help testing the ignition system or checking engine compression.
Monday, December 9th, 2013 AT 6:05 PM