Transmission... maybe?

i have a 98 vw jetta vr6 and for a while now its been making loud clanking noises in the pedals when i drive. when i go to push on the gas or brakes, the noise arrives and is there till i park the car. its now starting to rattle the entire car. i don't really have good brakes, but i'm not sure if that is the real problem. someone please help me, thanks.