This sounds like a worn steering pump, or perhaps a pump that is low on fluid..check the steering pump fluid. It could also be a number of other things, such as a belt tensioner, or a faulty water pump, but usually these are described as "squeeling" rather than "whining".
In any case, if the steering pump is the culprit and if it is low on fluid, there is a leak somewhere between the pump and the steering rack, so you might as well have it looked at by a qualified technician and get it repaired.
Hard to tell without hearing it. With engine running, open the hood and try to determine the area where the noise is coming from then repost info.
Well without further analysis or information, a short answer would be that your engine is BROKEN.
the whining noise is probably your passenger whining about the stupid questions you ask
If this whining or humming is out of the ordinary, it's probably a bearing or bushing on the belt assembly that's wearing out.
check your coolant... then go see a professional
A whining sound coming from the front of the engine would make me think one of the bearings is wearing out in the belt assembly. This is something you should fix promptly.
What kind of whining? Could be your serpentine, could be your steering pump.
Its could be the turbo your hearing...
Mine has done this twice, both times it was the pulleys in the front of the engine. It could also be the belts.
could be where your power steering fluid is cold and thick
Gas Lid not tight is the reason my eng. Light keeps coming on
The whining could be related to the alternator. Does the car have any electrical problems such as the battery drains and dies while car running, are your belt(s) tight? in good condition? It might be a belt tensioner or idler pulley that is causing the whining.