To check if the power steering's working, put the key in and turn to the notch you can move the wheel without the steering lock coming on. Put pressure on the wheel and start the car. When the pump kicks in, you should feel a 'kick' in the wheel, and the steering will get lighter.
If it's not working, check the power steering fluid level.
Is your air con working? Air con and PAS work off the same belt, iirc.