My car starts but soon as i put it in gear it spudders like it wants to die out.

don't drive it anymore..if the check engine light is blinking/flashing.tow it to a repair shop ASAP. you have been dumping raw fuel down the exhaust manifold and probably have destroyed the catalytic converter.you have a random/multiple cylinder miss fire.

98 Prizm is a Toyota Corolla drivetrain. A flashing check engine light indicates a probable misfire with cat converter damage imminent. I would get it towed in for a diagnostic check and repair.