2001 eclipse steering wheel wont turn

try turning the steering wheel hard over left or right (both) while trying to turn the key with the normal amount of force. (never force the key)
most likely, it is just the steering wheel lock stopping the key from rolling forward.

Try turning your steering wheel either way while turning the key!!! If the wheels are not straight when you turn of the car the ignition cylinder will lock in position If you turn the wheel a little while turning the key it will unlock the cylinder..

Have you tried to turn the steering wheel side-to-side, while turning the key?
The steering wheel may be very hard to turn, but moving it just a little may free-up the key
Sometimes parking against a curb, or turning off the car while the steering is turned all the way to one side, will cause the stering wheel lock to actually lock the key cylinder from turning.

Sometime the steering wheel will get jammed and you need to rotate it hard backward and forward to get it to come loose. You will need to turn the key as you do this. When free the key will turn if that is the problem and push on the brake also they sometime have to be pushed to release the wheel or to start the newer models.

Is your steering wheel locked. try turning the wheel with extreme force the either direction

Try turning the steering completely left and drive forward. See if the car feels like it catches or makes a crunching sound, do the same by turning all the way to the right and check for crunching or snapping noises. If it does, check the axle shafts, the CV joints are more than likely worn out.
Let me know.
REgards,

Try a different key if possible, sometimes key wears down.

THe tumblers in the ignition cylinder are probably worn therefore won't alow you to turn the key. Try inserting the key and jiggle it around while you are trying to start it. Sometimes it will work.

Make sure the interlock cable is adjusted right.

I used to own a 93 and sometimes key wouldn't turn forward. While turning key also turn/shake steering wheel. Worked for me as I recall.