When I was a kid, I had a similar noise (and resistance to turning). I took apart my bike with whatever tools I had and at some point found the ball bearings. Took them out, wiped off "all the dirty grease" and put them back in and tightened it all up. Needless to say, it got worse. It was a good lesson, though- only take apart your spare bike, and bring the prod bike to a real mechanic until you know what you're doing.