1. check to be sure your e-brake light on the dash comes on when you pull the brake up. if it doesn't, your ebrake microswitch could be bad.
2. if you can't get the clamshell to open:
a. remove your rollbar screens
b. looking at paul's 3rd picture above, use needlenose pliers to remove the clip holding the black bar to the clamshell hinge. do this on both sides. don't worry about damaging the clips; they're like nine cents.
c. push the black bars out of the hinges; you may hear a pop.
d. lift the clamshell by hand
e. remove the clips & put the back of the convertible top (at the window) upward into its service position; this will expose the motor hatch & the convertible top transmissions.
f. take a picture of the convertible top transmissions & post here.