sounds like the latch has either jammed, snapped or spring come away. first check what make of locking mechanism you have, it will have name or initials on mech strip (example lockmaster, mila, roto, fuhr, etc, there are many.)you will prob only need to change the central gearbox (if permitted). type name of lock mech into your search engine, the sites should have tech drawings,you will need to check the back set (ie the distance from the edge of the strip to the centre of the spindle hole 35 or 43mm)
to take out the lock mech strip fist take off handles and key barrel.
handles self explanatry, barrel- remove lock screw from the mech strip (located directly in line with bottom of the barrel) insert key and turn to 1 or 11oclock position and pull out.
you can now take out all the screws from the lock strip and remove. n.b. do not remove the torx screws(star shaped) as these hold the gear boxes to the strip. however once the strip is out you will need to remove the torx screws that hold the central gearbox in place: get new part first.
or you can ask knob rot who is trying to advertise for free!
knob rot hater, March 2009