Ford Repair: 2000 Ford Focus, ford focus, instrument cluster

Question
I have a 2000 Ford Focus automatic. I have owned it 3+ years. About 5 times during that time, many months apart, it has not started for no apparent reason. When I turn the key NOTHING  happens. Most of the time I've simply been able to shift it into neutral and it started right up, but not every time. I can't help but feel it thinks it is still in gear and hence nothing when I turn the key. But it has happened 3 times in the last few weeks and altho it has started right up by moving it to neutral I can't help but think there is something very wrong here.

Answer
guess ihave a few questionsjust sp i'm clear  when it doesn't start- you insert the key and turn does the instrument cluster light up normally ? but you turn the key and nothing happens ??? is your check engine light on while running ? but then you shift it in to neautral and it starts every time or only some times ??? thank you -b-