How do I get the door panel off of a 2001 Chevy Metro. I need to get to my locking mechanism and lubricate it.

Lubrication to locking mechanism linkage behind door panels is required. Spray with lithium grease.

Power door lock mechanisms required periodic lubrication to work correctly. Without periodic lubrication, the mechanisms stick and, eventually, the lock solenoid will fail and require replacement. As a rule, the power lock mechanisms and power window regulators should be lubricated every two to three years.
Begin by removing the door panel and lubricating all points of the lock mechanism, including the solenoid plunger. If that does not correct the condition, look for broken parts and mechanical obstructions. Manually move the solenoid plunger to make sure that the mechanism is not seized. If the mechanism will not move, detach the mechanism from the actuator solenoid and see if the solenoid itself has seized.
Check that the lock solenoid is receiving 12V when the LOCK/UNLOCK button is actuated. If not, trace down the electrical fault. If the mechanism moves freely, and there is voltage at the connector when the switch is actuated, the solenoid has burned out and should be replaced.

Here's something that might help you. Look at the door theres a little hook that grabs the striker on car, hold the door handle "open" and move the hook to the open position try to close the door. That should solve your problem. Hope that helps you.

There should be a small removable panel inside of where the latch is located. This is usually a pop off panel. Once removed you can inspect the mechanism for movement problems. Another quick fix if only the catch alignment is in the wrong place...Use the inside lock mechanism and pull into the unlock position...this re-aligns the catch to the open position, (lubricate with PB Blaster...most parts stores including Walmart:) This re-alignment of the catch may solve your problem. Your Venture is a popular model...if you have the wear-withal...you can visit your local salvage yard for a working latch...:) Hope this helps.

Remove door panel and inspect lock area.Make sure nothing is interfering with lock and door handle rods.Lubricate lock mechanism with light lubricant.if lock still does not work, install new actuator assembly.It will be easier to remove lock assembly to properly install new actuator.Be sure to note connecting rods to lock for proper reassembly.It saves time to mark them with different color paint.It is also a good idea to always perform voltage and current test on any electrical circuit before replacing any components.

check the wires inside the door panel. the motor inside went bad or maybe the wires are just lose

I have the same car, same problem. I've still not been able to fix it, despite taking the inside panels off the rear doors, checking the rods were seated, applying WD-40 to the lock mechanisms, and manually working the mechanism. Child locks are not engaged, but I tried putting them on and off too. Just won't open.

Your book should give you program options for the door locks If your fob wont work either you got a relay for the door lock bad it is located in the fuse panel push the door lock button and find the one that is clicking

Try checking that the handle in the tailgate returns to the 'open' postion. Once in a while, usually during/after the winter, the tailgate handle gets stuck in the 'pressed in' postion. I have to use WD-40 or some other lubricant to get the handle working again, which allows me to unlock and open the tailgate.

The locking solenoid may need to be replaced, or the rod adjusted.
You will need to remove the door panel to watch the movement.
If the solenoid is not fully extending, it will require replacement.
It will look similar to this...

In the picture below, it will be #4

Check the locking mechanism is lubricated properly. Try spraying some penetrating oil in the mechanism (just above 3 in the diagram) Wait 10 minutes, and re-try.
If the actuator does not fully extend, it will need to be replaced.