My 97 has the electric 4x4 push button but it is not enguaging when i push the button.

I take it that the 4X4 light does not come on, either. The problem is probably in the shift motor itself. The contact plates inside the shift motor, get dirty or corroded and the motor doesn't get enough current to move. The 4X4 light simply indicates that the transfer case is/is not engaged, but it tells you absolutely nothing about whether or not the circuitry is trying to engage. Simple fix is to replace the shift motor. Inexpensive fix (although temporary) is to remove the shift motor, open it up and clean off the contact plates and contacts themselves. Not too complicated, but a lot of folks get intimidated by opening up electric motors. But, hey, if you can't get it put back together, you probably needed to replace it anyhow. Good luck.