Chevrolet: 2002 Cavalier Z24, bad sound from what I think would be the drive shaft, drive shaft, auto parts store

Question
Hi!  I'm looking for a little guidance with my '02 Cav Z24.  We had a nasty snow storm here on Friday (now is following Thursday), roads were horrible, etc.  I drove a bit that day, but mostly on Saturday.  Even then the roads still had a lot of snow.  Saturday afternoon I noticed a sound that I would equate with getting a flat tire.  I pulled into a gas station, checked and all tires were fine, I filled them to what they should have been, but the sound didn't go away.  It has it's moments when it's better and moments when it's horrible.  Today it's been worse.  I can tell that the noise has something to do with the rotating of the tires or driveshaft, as when I slow down the noise does too (I hope you understand what I'm saying).  I've noticed that when I'm braking (completely) the noise stops, it also gets much better when my wheel is turned to the right.  Since this started my check engine light went on, I assume from the computer noticing something is wrong.  This really doesn't sound like an engine problem.  Now, the car is vibrating as well.  The noise is not a squeaking, more like a thumping.  I spoke with some men at an auto parts store and they thought it was a buildup of snow and ice on the driveshaft from our snow storm.  What concerns me is that it was about 35 degrees yesterday and I would think that would melt anything there.  

I know this is long winded, but any idea what I'm looking at here?

Thanks!

Answer
Kristy;
 HI - well before you start thinking the worse, I would have the brakes looked at, and the wheel bearing, if it was the drive shaft it would do it all the time. it might be a axle bearing, or  U-joint etc. the only way is to put it up on the lift. ok
Merry Christmas.