97 Camry LE Will Not Start

I was hoping someone out there might know the answer to this one as I'm stumped.

A few weeks ago, my 1997 Camry LE started making a loud noise which sounded as though there was a hole in the exhaust or manifold. I have driven the car about 10 times since then and the noise did not go away, but did not get any better. Sounded like I was drag racing down my street!

I tried to start the car a few days ago and now the thing will not start. I get about 1 second of the loud exhaust noise and it just dies. No engine turnover noise. Just the starter. I tried gassing the thing but this does nothing. I thought it may be a blocked catalytic, but there is no engine light & no scanner codes are showing up. The wife tells me when I try starting it, smoke is coming out the bottom of the engine compartment. I've tried starting it on a few occasions but it just gives an exhaust noise & instantly dies.

Helppp! Pleeease! I'm pulling out what little hair I have left.