Nikon D40 Lens Broke?

I tried taking a picture then it wouldnt let me adjust the lens, then heard something inside the lens. It worked for months before and bought it used. If I were to buy a new one what am I searching for? The whole entire lens on it is broken. I don't know what I should be searching for online when buying a new one.

You might be able to find a used Nikon 18-55mm AF-S VR for a decent price, as many people who get these in a kit upgrade to a fancier lens. Or you could get a fancier lens. With 6MP your D40 probably won't be too demanding on the lens's optical quality. However, if the time comes to upgrade to a new body, that new body may be 24 MP and will reveal a lens's limitations. Of course some lenses are available as kit lenses with new bodies, and cost less as part of a kit.
Some possible fancy replacement lenses not kitted include the Nikon mount version of Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 HSM OS DC or the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 HSM OS DC.

If you liked what you could do with that lens, get another, just be cautious.

If you felt that lens fell short, there are a few options.
http://www.nikonusa.com/...ewAllClick

The lens that came with the camera (kit lens) was a Nikon 18-55mm AF-S VR. If you are interested in getting another model, make sure you get from Nikon and it has that AF-S spec. That will ensure you will be able to autofocus the lens with the camera. When buying from other brands, make sure the lens comes with its own autofocus motor. Here's how to look at lenses properly (a long read).

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html

Nikon kit lenses usually come cheap secondhand, around $75.

What exactly is broken with your lens? Is it the autofocus? Perhaps you have been manually focusing it while the AF switch is on. That would have broken the autofocus motor linkages between the camera and the lens. Worse, that may have broken the autofocus motor entirely. Always switch to MF before even considering touching that focus ring.