Problem with moving stick shifter.

1997 Suzuki Sidekick (manual transmission). Lately, it has been getting more and more difficult for me to physically move the shifter. It is the toughest to get it into the first gear position. And when I put it in reverse, it makes a scratching-like sound. Someone put "Dot 3" in to try to lubricate the clutch. It was worse after that. Now, it will not go into reverse either. What could be wrong?