94 Pathfinder lock problem

The passenger side door of the Pathfinder does not open.
When I use the remote the lock will try to open repeatedly and then stop. Using the door key does not work as well.
I was able to open the door by probing the mechanisms from the window
opening but this does not fix the problem.
I also tried to remove the door panels to get easy access but I am not sure how to free the middle of the panel.

Does anyone have some hints on the possible problem and/or how to remove the panel? Thanks!!!

to remove the door panel you need to pull off the plastic that surrounds the outside of the door handle. then there is either 1 or 2 (been awhile since the last time) screws located in the hand hold on the armrest. there should be a plastic plug covering it. remove those and it should pop the rest of the way off.