1997 cutlass supreme started making a knocking noise could it be oil pan

first check fluid levels --power steering--oil--transmission --if power steering low or out pump will sequel look for blown hose or seal----if oil is low or empty than look under around oil filter [hole damaged or blown gasket ] spraying on belt causing sequel if not filter than trace oil leak possible oil pan damaged or gasket crack or head or valve gasket-----if trans low or empty look at pan- gasket ,or damaged check trans cooling lines to radiator-----these are your leak areas under hood your oil pump is internal in oil pan and you usually dont hear it

Has there been zero oil pressure ever since you changed the oil?
Did you do it with motor warm? If so you lost the prime in your oil pump.Over fill the oil,couple quarts. start the engine,If you got oil pressure shut of engine and drain two quarts!

Well a place to start is pull off the belt and spin the Idler, Tensioner, AC, Alternator, and Power steering, Smog pump (if equipped) pulleys all should spin easy with no noise. Does the sound go away or change when turning on the AC? Also start the car with the belt off to make sure the noise is not coming from the motor. If noise go's away then it has to be one of the items I mentioned above. Cost will be depending on location and type of part gone bad.

Tie rod ends or drag link...? Idler arm....

Remove the oil pan from under the vehicle and you will see that the pump is located there.

It is actually pretty easy. After you drain oil and loosen all pan bolts, there is just enough room to lower down and still have some room above crossmember to work around. Just make sure to scrape off all the old gasket and wipe area clean before adding new gasket. I also recommend placing thin layer of RTV Silicone evenly across both surfaces. (pan and engine block) Then use your new gasket in between like usual. Check repair manual for oil pan torque specs. I believe most are around 15 lbs.
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i suggest that if u dont know where the oil pan is to either take to a shop and have car repaired or have someone who knows cars assist u

did you knock the chip off the key if so go to dealer for a new key

That could be only two things one a bad pistion or a bad rod. I would take the engine apart and find one or both maybe broken or in bad repair fixing. I would not drive it far it will throw the pistion or rod right through the engine costing ya more money or a new car.

Either your oil needs to be changed but most importantly The clearance in the connecting rod bearing have more clearance then tolerances allow. This could be due in part of low oil pressure. The gauge might show safe pressure but a manual gauge would give an accurate pressure. Hope this helps.