1999 Nissan Maxima Trunk Realese

I am surprised your key will not open the trunk. Is the key your using the "valet" key? If it is, then try the normal key, as it would override the secure trunk lock that would prevent valet's from being able to open the trunk. If you are able to open the trunk that way, lookon the inside latch of the trunk and you'll see a slider lock that can be set to secure or normal.

Alternately, if you don't have that normal key, you need to have someone small crawl thru that back seat opening, and have him/her slide that secure latch up (or down) and try again using your key. Good luck.