CAN SPRAY GAS IN THE INTAKE, AND IT WILL CRANK...

Probably flooding possibly blocked return line (I assume EFI) or faulty TPS (Throttle posision sensor) but first check for visual problems like split intake tube, vac leak etc...

into the air intake where the air filter goes

Spray starter fluid into intake, if it starts then stops again, you have a fuel problem. If it still won't start you have a spark problem

Safer is to use 'carburetor cleaner' which is also flammable but a little less dangerous than using gasoline.After sitting a long time, our modern gasoline gets tired; never allow something to sit so long without adding some 'fuel stabilizer.'If possible with your car, I would drain (siphon) the tired gas out and replace it with a few gallons of fresh.
Really tough starting problems can also be overcome with 'starting fluid' which is pure ether and very flammable.Any of these may require the removal of the engine air filter so the liquid gets into the intake manifold.
Stale gasoline can also gum up the fuel injectors which may have to be removed for service if none of the fluids causes the engine to fire.

when you have your hood up in the air can you hear the starter trying to make a clicking sound or no sound at all with the starter ? Starters also go bad too and some times it is intermitten some times as well. You can use a multimeter if you know how to use one that you can use one to test the starter red hot plug from the battery to it.

First check you are getting spark to plugs. If yes check for fuel. You can spray starting fluid in intake when you pull off intake rubber hose that sits on top of engine. If you start momentarily you have fuel problems. Turn key forward just where its left after you start. Listen for fuelpump to whine back by gas tank filler. If no noise most likely fuelpump. Always change fuel filter right after its install.

it sounds like either the primary or secondry fuelpumps, take of the fuel line in the engine bay get some one to turn over the engine if no fuel is being squirted out of the pipe then its one of the pumps, check the pumps fuses and relays first, or could simply do with a drain and a good flush.

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM LEAK. TO CHECK THIS GET A CAN OF CAR SPRAY AND SRAY AROUND THE INTAKE GASKET WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, IF THE ENGINE HAS A LEAK IT WILL START RUNNING OK WHILE THE YOU ARE SPRAYING.

1st thing to check is the intake manifold for vacuum leaks, also check and make sure the EGR valve is not leaking when it is closed, to check the intake buy a can of carb spray and sray around the top of the engine, if a leak is present there will be a very noticeable change when the spray is near the vacuum leak. To check the EGR Valve start the engine cold, wait a minute or 2 then spray water on the EGR, if it steams up the water it is leaking exhaust into the engine, this will cause a rough run as well.