I own a 1998 A4 2.8 30v Avant 5speed (quattro)
Today I drove to the mall (about 20 minute drive)
On the way there everything was working fine no problems at all
when I tried to leave I could not put my car into gear
I had to forcefully shove it into gear everytime, not just first gear but every gear, although first gear was the worst. the only way i can explain it is that it felt like i was trying to shift without using the clutch. once it was in gear everything was fine it drove great, just wouldnt go into gear correctly.
now the really odd thing is if my car isnt running i can cycle through the gears like there is nothing wrong, as soon as i start it up it wont go into any gears again. What could this be?

 

check the transmission oil level and condition. also get the conditions of the gears (cracked or chipped).

 

update: So its the next day now, I figured I'd go check and see if it magically fixed itself. I topped off the oil yesterday after I got home. Anyway I go out and start it up and it goes in gear fine? Whatever works for me. I just went and got my oil changed because it was due anyway and they checked all the fluids and topped off tranny fluid and everything.
Rides good as new now Hopefully it stays