HELP! Handbrake (emergency brake) is "stuck"! Can't press button in to lower lever! What do I do? How did it happen?

I borrowed my grandma's car, Toyota Corolla (1997-99 I think?) this AM. Didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I parked, then pulled up the emergency brake / handbrake (the kind in the center console, a lever with a button at the tip, push button in then pull lever up).

Now, 7 hours later, she goes to take my sister to work, and can't get the handbrake down! We tried pulling really hard, pulling at different angles and pushing down, pushing in, pressing button in diff angles, pulling up *before* pushing button, putting car in neutral, slamming door, hitting button with hammer, etc.

DAMN BUTTON won't push! It seems more that it is "locked" or "doesn't want to go" rather than "stuck/jammed". This car has had problems with steering wheel "locking up" before too.

My gma thinks I yanked it up too hard but i did nothing any different than usual at all! What could've caused this? And HOW CAN I FIX IT!!?