[400 4spd.]

Hello all,
Here is my long description of what I am dealing with.
In my garage sits my daughter's '01 Camaro. I had it towed here last night because it won't turn over. She drove it somewhere, cut it off for less than 5 minutes, and when she returned it would not spin over. All dash lights/headlights work fine, along with any accessories. It acts as if the transmission is not in park when the key is turned. No click, nothing, but the dash stays lit. The fuel pump does activate and run. I tried starting in neutral and every other gear. I changed the battery, too. Also tried her like-new spare GM key and no change.
She got the car when it was one year old and it has no history of a problem like this. I have heard before that the key (or switch) has a microchip and that they have to recognize each other or the anti-theft system will not allow the car to start. I have also heard that these systems fail if the key is too worn. Her friend had a similar problem with her Camaro and the dealer said they had to go into her column to correct the problem. My son has a Cadillac, and I understand that they are prone to do this, too. So it sounds to me that GM cars
My questions are,
Does it sound like the anti-theft system is causing this?
Any other possibilities that some of you have experienced on a late model GM?
If that is the cause, what usually has to be done to correct it?
How can it be tested to determine that it is indeed the anti-theft system? Any simple tests that I can do without a scanner?
If I cannot fix it I would like to have an idea of what is causing this before sending it to the dealer$$$$$$hip.
The only other time I have had this happen was on a Hurst/Olds I owned that had a starter solenoid go bad. That is where I am inclined to start.

Any advise/opinions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance!