Q:

Honda Civic 1997 steering fluid leak

I bought my -97 Civic two weeks ago.  After a week of driving, the power steering started to screech whenever I turned the wheels while the engine was cold (with warm engine the eerie screeching sound was gone). 
Naturally I checked the fluids, and steering fluid was below minimum.  After adding steering fluid, I noticed that the fuild leaks somewhere below the right hydraulic cylinder.  I also noted that the old fluid had burnt odor. 
My question is, does an amateur have any chance of locating the leak without a car lift?  Whether a lift is needed or not, what are the most common places in Civic where steering fluid leaks occur? 
EDIT: the steering wheel turns well when the power steering screeches, so the mechanics seem to work, even with minimal amounts of fluid. 

A:

The screech is from the tension on the belt being too low.  Usually it's a worn belt or the pump slipping.  On my 2002 civic I am pretty sure the power steering belt was separate from the serpentine and that the pump is also acting as a tensioner.  
For the leak, check the connections to and from the pump.  There should be an o-ring underneath the connector on the top of the pump. 

Worst case scenario you will be rebuilding or replacing the pump. 