you seem to have the same issue i had last week with my 500 SL, here is what you do, the front latches you will have to use the tool that came with the cat a wrench at one end and an alan key at the other.

1) flip visors out towards windows, you will see 2 holes that fits an alan key, place alan key and twist a bit, the latches on the front will release.

2) the locks on the back latches are accessible thru the trunk, it has a red knob, flip that up and it unlocks the latches at the back and voila you can manually store the soft top back into the space.

3) oh ya on the storage area you will see 2 nut like thingys with the roll bar up, twist that away from the car and it un-locks the cover to storage compartment for soft top.

Venu 1991 SL 500