2000 Passat 1.8T Automatic Shifting Problem (Tiptronic)

I have a shift problem that started today. I parked my car after a 20 minute drive to work. I had no problem until I tried to shift into Park. As I Placed the shifter into the Park postion, the button on the side of the shifter would not release. The dash display showed (P). I shifted slowly down through the gears and back up to (P). The button still did not release. I was able to turn off the engine and tried to remove the key. It would not come out. I re-started the engine, shifted down and back up again. As I did this, I noticed that it was not shifting smoothly. Very tight, very similar feeling to losing the power steering. when I put it back in (P), I gave the shifter a firm tap forwards and the button released. I was able to turn off the ignition completely and remove the key. I didn't hear any odd noises. Can someone give me an idea of what could be causing this?

The button is problablly gummed up inside. It can be cleaned up and lubed with silicone spray, but if not than you will problably need a new shifter lever.

Thanks, I'll see what I can do myself. Any suggestions on the best way to get at the base of the lever? Do I need to disassemble anything.