98 drivers door won't open

ok, stop me if you've heard this one before. i have a 98 accord sedan and the drivers door won't open from the inside or outside. the key unlocks it and the inside switches work. i cut part of the panel off to gain access to the mechanism, everything is attached and works normally i guess. any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated, if not then i'll call the fire department and use the jaws of life. the car has 200k and this might be the final straw so she can get a new car.

On the 90-93 accords it was common for this to happen.On those you would remove the door panel and drill the latch assy from inside the door.
I stopped working for the dealership last year and I cannot remember if it is the same procedure for a 98 but I think it probably is.Good luck.