Right, they are red.
I've never had any problems with mine. Push one way or another (left or right) while pulling up on the seat.
Your car is almost 30 years old, so maybe they were never used, and are now petrified in place? Maybe there is a small fortune in change under that seat.
I'll check too see exactly how mine work tomorrow and report back. But I think its jsut one of those things where they are being stubborn and eventually with enough time and cursing, the seat will come out.
mayeb another member can give you better advise.