r reg 1.9 diesel renault clio brakes problem

my brake lights dont work, i have checked the fuses and the bulbs which are all fine, i have been advised to look at the brake switch but i dont know what it is supposed to look like. the pedal itself has a piece of metal on the back of it which moves and i have also fould what seems to be a spring loaded switch a bit higher up on the body, are they supposed to be connected??
any advice would be greatly appreciated
thanx in advance.