Trunk release doesn't work on 95 model

My friend's 95 Taurus' trunk release doesn't work when the key is inserted and turned. It feels like it works but there is no indication that it does and of course the trunk doesn't open. It never worked since she bought it last summer. Is it electrically or mechanically operated...and if electrical, is the trunk release related to the clock and radio? The dash clock has never worked and the previous owner had installed faceplate(?) radio.
Thanks in advance.