Why does the driver's door not open, only the passenger door?

My neigbor here in Germany has a 2000, Ford KA 2-door. She uses her remote to open her door but her drivers door won't open. The passenger door opens and there is a horrible grinding sound.
She is elderly and needs to use her car and has been told she has to live with the problem.
Can someone help?

Terry
May 2009