Volkswagen Golf estate - can't open tailgate?

I have a 2001 Volkswagen Golf estate, which I've owned for about 6 months. For the last couple of weeks, I've been unable to open the tailgate. I think the catch is electronically operated, but as the tailgate is stuck shut, I'm unable to access the catch to rectify the problem. I'm unable to unlock the tailgate conventionally by using the key, as there is something jammed in the barrel of the lock. This has been the case since I bought the car, but wasn't a problem at the time as the tailgate's catch worked perfectly well on the central locking. Also, I've checked all the fuses, and they seem fine. Can anyone help?