Clutch master cylinder or something is probably stuck. Your clutch probably feels normal because from the pedal to the master cylinder is fine. You don't actually push the clutch you push some fluid which goes to the master cylinder which pushes the clutch. It's mainly pedal>cylinder which affects feel rather than cylinder to clutch.
You answered your question in the OP, IMO "Went to pull away, felt clutch bite but then give up"...probably need a new clutch. Job done.