Clutch stopped working

So, i have a 5 speed manual trans and the clutch just stopped working.  I pulled the tranny and found the thrust plate had a hole in it.  Replaced that and still no clutch.  After reading various posts, decided to look at the release bearing and clutch release lever. Not sure what a bad throw out bearing looks like but the clutch release lever looked solid still. Since I already had the end of the tranny off to inspect the clutch release lever, I pulled the push rod and found out that even though there was a hole in the thrust plate, it was not big enough for the push rod to go through, got to that before it went out.  Back to trying to diagnose the original problem with my clutch just stop working. I do not hear any noise when I push the clutch and the cable is also brand new. When started, I cannot put the car in gear with out getting major grinding, telling me that the clutch itself is still good it's the engaging of the clutch that is the problem. Please help, I am tried of the horrible gas mileage of my truck.haha.  I can send pics of any part if needed. Thanks,