1983 Volvo 240 Won't shift into first or second

I bought my 1983 volvo about a year and a half ago and I have to say that it;s my favorite car. It's my baby. However, while pulling away from a stop light I could not shift into first or second gear. 3rd and 4th work fine so I feathered it into third and continued driving to my destination which was a mile away. I drove it home( which was about 25 miles away) using the same method. I absolutely love this car and want to fix it for cheap.