locked rear drivers side passenger door

Hi,
Three friends, three Passats (all 97's) and all with the same locking problem in drivers side rear. The door doesn't respond to central locking or manual opening, as pin will rise when handle pulled but drops back down immediately when released. Also water leaking in slowly but surely through bottom seal. Any suggestions?
Why does so much water get into the Passat? So far had pollen filter gasket leak (knackering the loom), boot leak into left hand side pocket and now rear door leak!?!
Many thanks

hi,
had a similar problem on my 1998 passat but both my doors would not open same pull interior lever button would rise then fall the only way i manage to release it was to remove the famous fuse 14 and then put it back in and it seemed to reset the central locking and the doors opened after futher investigation a damaged ccu loom from water was to blame
hope this helps liam :confused: