1998 Door won't unlock

I have a 98 Contour with manual locks. The passenger front door always gets stuck as the temperature gets colder, but I had a friend pull on the handle too hard last week which made it permanently stuck.

The outside keyhole is unlocked and will not lock.

The indoor lock is unlocked and will not lock. I can move the handles just fine.

Yet, the door will not open. I had a friend look at it but he could only remove the small panel directly behind the inside door handle...the rest of the panels can only be removed if the door can be opened.

What do I do to fix this? I can't remove the panels to get to the insides since the door itself won't open! I'm a college kid who's trying to avoid a large fix-it bill...help please!

If you open the rear door can you get to the side of the door by the striker, sounds like the striker lock mechanism for the door is stuck.

Try that and respond.