Hi Keith
Had same prob's, your going to have to remove the beading and glass from window (I'm assuming your windows are upvc) then using a drill make a hole though to the window cavity.... you now need to drill again to expose the bolt action. Now with the handle in the open position you should be able to slide the bolt back with a screwdriver and open the window. Repair or replace faulty bolt action. Hope this helps.
Simon
June 2010