1997 Jetta Overheating, Car overheats right away when driving.?

I noticed that the top of the engine gets hot and the top radiator hose gets hot but about 3 inches from the radiator the hose is COLD, the radiator is COLD and all of the lower hoses to the water pump. Wanted to change the thermostat but found out it isn't so easy in this Jetta, it is buried under the Alternator and Power steering. Does anyone know does this sound like a Waterpump that has gone out. I don't see any coolant leaking and the belt is tight not squeeking. Do hear a rattle somewhere upfront. THe car starts up fine and runs good. I haven't tried to drive it though because it overheats right away. The car original overheated added water to get home. Drove it the next day about 15 miles started to overheat again. Had the radiator flushed at an oil and lube place. After the flush car overheated as soon as I pulled out of the oil change place.
1997 Jetta Overheating, Car overheats right away when driving.?
The T-Stat is not opening to let the coolant pass through to the entire engine. Thats why your getting hot and cold hoses.

replace the t-stat

good luck
1997 Jetta Overheating, Car overheats right away when driving.?
Thermostat, most likely. if your hose is hot except at the radiator then that would be the place to start. the cooling systems are pretty simple on most cars. I change my fluid and thermostat once a year. If you have a good mechanic do your work they should replace the thermostat when they flush the coolant. most quick lube places do not. if the thermostat is not opening the water will not be able to get cool.
Bad thermostat
It really sounds like you've got a thermastat stuck in the closed postion. Do you know if when the lube guys changed the fluid in your radiator, if there was any oil in there? And is there any water deposits in your oil? If so, you've blown a head gasket. At any case, I'd take it to an auto repair shop to at least have it checked out. Normally it really doesn't cost to much for them to diagnos the problem. And if you let them work on that's usally free.
does the heater work??? if no could be air lock in system when bleeding heater valves must be up to hot position so all system can be air free, is the water level staying same or going down??? is the oil white??? could be head.

when engine gets warm thermostat should open then water should flow through to header tank?????
I suspect an air lock in your top hose. Try squeezing it with the engine running and see whether you get air released into the the header tank. the header tank level will drop as you expell the air.
Thermostat !!