Cannot Shift Gears out of Park, Windows won't work

What is your question?

My car will start fine, but I cannot shift gear out of Park. I tried everything, but gear will absolutely not move. Then I noticed that my windshield wipers won't work and my electric windows will not work also. A friend said something about a module being out under the steering column, but I am not sure what that is. Any ideas, and also, is this something expensive to fix? I don't know anything about this and would hate to get ripped off... many thanks!