Back Latch - Help!

On a trip recently, my back latch stopped working. When I try to depress the button to release the upper door I can hear the servo fire but the gate doesn't open. I called the dealer and the guy was clueless.

Any ideas? Any tricks to getting the door open from the inside? I have the plastic covering the inside portion of the upper door half way off, buy I couldnt see anywhere to open the door.

To top things off, my right tail light just went out, so now I cant change the bulb.

Thanks for any help..