2000 Dodge Neon

I have had a lot of problems with my car in the last year. The power steering was completely gone back in the winter, as well as the right *thing* that holds the car up in the front. I've had problems with the battery, and they had to completely re-do part of the engine back in the fall. Before last summer nothing happened with my car. I've been good about oil changes and whatnot, but suppose I don't have the money to take as good care of it as I want to.

So please forgive me not knowing exact specifics.

And please answer my question.
My question is that my car always makes strange noises---I'm used to it by now. For the last two weeks I've heard this sound that sounds like a leaf is stuck in my wheel. I only hear it when I'm speeding up. When I get between 40 and 50 mph it usually goes away until the next time I speed up after putting on the brakes. The check engine light also came on last week, which has never happened and freaked me out. Someone told me that the sound could be the transmission? Or timing belt? If anyone has an idea please help me so I will not be ripped off when I have the money to repair it.

Thanks a bunch! If you want to email me any suggestions my email is hippiegurrl101@aol. Com and please put my car make/model in the subject so I know that you're not spam.

:-) I will truely appreciate any help. I am a poor college student lol.