I just replaced both front door handle carriers over the weekend, so here are some photos from the driver's side, so you can see what is behind the door.
They are all oriented right side up, and taken from your viewpoint on the outside of the door.
The second photo, with the voltage detector pointing at the hook shows the thing you should grab with pliers (or if the hook is still there, even a piece of rope should do).
The 3rd and 4th photos show the hook thing when it is pulled out as far as it should come. So if you have not pulled it that far, you should be able to. If you pull it that far and the door does not open, then something has broken inside to prevent that.
