2001 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 L Engine Problem

I have a 2001 Intrepid with 105,000 miles on it, and up to this point it has been a very dependable vehicle. Yesterday, when I started the engine it ran for 20 seconds and then quit. Subsequent attempts did not have any effect, not once did it try to refire. I did not notice any warning lights set on the instrument panel. I did notice that the engine seemed to crank at a higher rpm than normal, like when a timing belt had broke. I read a number of articles on the web and was convinced that a timing chain had broken. I removed the valve covers and other than a very clean engine, I did not notice anything unusual. All of the chains are in very good condition without any excess slack. I guess that I might be back to something electronic? Can I crank the engine with the engine management computer connected (to check compression)? Would appreciate your advice.