98 Neon, transmission whining

Hello,
I've been trying to find some more information in these groups on a
potential problem with my '98 Neon Highline (4 cyl, DOHC). Recently
about a year ago, the transmission started to make a "whining" noise
when put into reverse, both hot and cold (right away or with engine
warmed up). Putting the transmission in D and other gears is fine. I
changed the trans fluid & filter at around 50K miles, and it is still
doing the same thing (the fluid was OK, no big metal flakes or weird
foreign material). I've checked the fluid regularly since the car was
new, so I know the level has been fine. Can anybody tell me what
might be the cause of the "whining" noise, and if it is serious or
not????

The other weird problem is we cannot press the accelerator pedal down
as far as it should go, as it stops part-way, almost feels like
something under the pedal that is blocking it but we checked for that
inside the cab. Forcing the pedal past this stopping point actually
causes the transmission to shift to Neutral. I have started to check
the linkage and cabling from the trans to the intake area, etc. But
also wonering if anybody has seen or heard of this as well.

Thanks a lot for all feedback on these two problems! I hope the info
here can also help others.
--
Chris