I recently had some work done on my 98 SV and when I picked it up and drove off, the brake light came on which meant the E brake was partially engaged. When I tried to release it, the button failed to work. I gently pulled it up while pushing the button, but now it got even tighter. I eventually got it to release by using a pencil to push the button about 3/8" deep past the surface of the handle which is impossible to do with your finger. After pulling apart the E-brake, I found the problem. The rod which is attached to the button was bent, see pics below, which prevented the rod from engaging the pawl to release the brake. Once I straightened the rod, it worked like new. Given the replacement cost of a new handbrake assembly, this is a good no cost solution.