Craftsnan rear drive failure

New here. Call name, Errasa. I joined to get some info on my Craftsman electric start, rear wheel drive Craftsman 700. I've had it for some time. Only used it once. I recently took it in to get it serviced and to repair a broken starter rope. When I got it back it started with just a slight tug on the rope which I'm using while I wait for the battery I've ordered. I have to check with the repair guys because it won't idle. The major remaining problem is that the drive doesn't work. They told me about that but they said it would be too expensive to repair as they though it might be the transmission. I checked some videos on the web dealing with changing the drive cable but before I order a new one I thought I'd get some opinions here. The cable still has tension on it leading me to believe it's intact. Bottom line? Transmission repair or some other option. What say you. Thanks very much

post model number please
Parts #: 434564
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/434564/0071/917.html

917374951

to get some help in the diagnostic I would contact general transmissions if I were you.
http://services.generaltransmissions.com/en/contact-us.html