Lock mechanism failed

The drivers side door on my 94 prelude will not open. The locking mechanism has failed, but I can't figure out how to get the door panel off to fix it if the door wont' open. I have read somewhere that you have to drill a hole above the star shaped stud. My dad has tried to do this, but the drill bits won't drill through the metal. All rods are connected to the locking mechanism. Lock and unlock switches seem to activate door solniod but the door handles never engages the lock assembly. Any suggestions on how to get the door open??