01 tribute liftgate problem

I just bought an 01 tribute and noticed that the liftgate doesn't open. The key won't turn in the lock and when I use the electric locks I can't hear any clicks or anything coming from the liftgate. The handles won't work either. So I was wondering if there was a way to open the liftgate from the inside since I need to get it open to take off the panel to try and figure out whats going on.
Thanks