I had the same problem come to find out my ac compressor had seized, it cause the belt to break, since it happend over the winter i just purchase the power steering belt for the protege without ac short belt at least i would have power steering, and since is getting warmer out im getting ready to replace the compressor. but so to check try spinning the ac compresor with your bare hand it should be easy to turn if you dont have the belt on. if you can't spin it. thats the cause of your problem.