Clutch peddle has free range of movement> but when let out nothing happens. it seems the clutch is stuck in weather the peddle is pushed or not

The adjuster needs to be reset. It should then automatically readjust to provide the proper amount of clutch pedal travel.

If you have driven 26,000 without a problem I doubt it's related to the clutch replacement, but I think we need more info here.
Does the car make the noise multiple times during one trip (on and off as you start and stop)?
Can you hear it when you are parked in your driveway? The best thing to do would be to get out of the car when you hear the noise, pop the hood, and try to locate which part of the engine it is coming from. Then we can move on from there.

Probably bad clutch master cylinder and/or slave cylinder. I always replace both.

may be binding in the clutch fork or the clutch itself. if when the cable is free it moves easily the the problem is in the clutch area. hope this helps

Is the security light flashing when it dies?

that often happens when the throwout bearing goes bad .. that will usually make a lot of noise before it damages the pressure plate.. another problem is when "free pedal" range drops to 0 .. thats when you push in the clutch there should be some movement before you feel resistance .. that assures the clutch is not being held in a state of partial engagement . when free pedal drops then the clutch starts to slip. that can cause it to get verry hot and damage the pressure plate .. thats a simple adjustment on most cars .. so its something to watch out for in standard shift cars .. repairs are expensive because the transmission has to be removed for most clutch repairs .

check starter for free at Autozone

There are 2 possibilities.

1. Since the clutch is hydraulic, some particle is jamming the rod-piston movement, hene the clutch lever is jammed(if using manual transmission)
2. The springs which press the clutch plate to the engine(cam) are either brken off, meaning the clutch remains engaged all the time and since the hydraulics are not able to push them apart(release the clutch)-applicable for auto or manual trensmission.............. ..sodeep

check the mechanical leakage at the clutch housing for binding and wear.