Well, first let me say that I don't have experience with that exact car, however I have worked on several lock/latch mechanisms and they are all quite similar. This is why one Slim Jim will open almost everything. Any way, the short answer is that whatever it is you will have to open up the door. I am guessing you have probably had experience doing this before but if you haven't it usually isn't as bad as you might think as long as you know the "secret recipe" for the particular door trim panel. I am guessing that a linkage has fallen off. There are usually some "bent wire" type linkages which are held on with various clips on the ends. Something could have worn or rusted, or maybe some previous repair was not done correctly. Also could be something broken on the actual latch mechanism from fatigue or maybe a broken spring. Once you have the door open, it should be fairly obvious what the problem is. Worst case you can open up the other side for comparison if you really get stumped. Sounds like a localized mechanical issue at the latch area, not an electrical problem. Hope that helps. Of course I will be interested to hear what the problem actually was.

Mike

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra