i do have the metal lines and i havent seen any leakage. What causes the need for the a/c to be recharged

 

leakage.
then there is a compressor there also ?

 

If the compressor is there but you don't have A/C working, then try turning the A/C compressor with your hand (not the part the belt hooks to, but the part in the middle. If it rotates freely, the try recharging it. If not, then replace the compressor.

 

is the a/c compresser on the other end of the metal lines toward the bottom of the car?

 

correct.
what year ?
how many belts running off of the crankshaft pulley ?

 

97 ex and there are 2 belts as far as i can see

 

dont know if they doubled up on the belts or not. perhaps someone with a 1997 will chime in. do you have power steering ??
they could have power steering and ac on the same belt - i do not know.

 

yes i do have power steering

 

well if that belt goes around that and nothing else (besides the crankshaft pulley) and the alternator belt goes around the alternator and nothing else (besides the crankshaft pulley), then there is no ac compressor.

 

is there a belt that runs off the a/c compresser