Is the handle completely loose? If so probably snapped or if your lucky disconnected, might be worth taking the seat out to have a look?
Mines went on the passenger side, snapped cable, tried but failed miserably to put a new one on but wasn't too bothered as you can still work the seat, if you feel down the back about 8 inches from the bottom there's a bar which run across the width of the seat, just pull it up