can't open rear door

last week, I tried to open the left rear door on my 2000 chevy malibu [this was the first time I tried opening that door in at least a year] and it would not open. the power door lock for that door sounds like it is working. lifting the outside door handle or pulling the inside door handle does not open the door, but feel as though they are working OK. any suggestions? (also it looks like a pain in the butt to take off the panel for that door when the door itself is closed) OK gutys, now is the time for the quick trick answer.
thanx