1998 Explorer Sport door locks

My daughters 1998 Explorer Sports driverside door will not open with the key, keyless entry or inside handle. The outside handle is loose, like a spring or linkage broke. When I press the power lock to open it the lock moves like it is trying to up up but won't. I grabbed the lock with a pair of pliers and it is like it still won't come unlocked. How can I get the door open to remove the door panel to work on it?