I am unable to get my 2001 spectre into gear. I

In most cases the shifter button is controlled by a solenoid activated by a switch on the brake pedal when the pedal is depressed. If the button will not release there may be a problem with the brake pedal switch ( Do the brake lights work when the pedal is pushed? ) the shifter release solenoid or wiring. There may be an override to release the button somewhere near the shifter. Check owners manual to see if equipped with safety release button

Look at base of steering column find brake pedal shaft and you will find a switch which is depressed with pedal up and released with pedal down. Check fuses too.

Your question is too vague. Brakes don't "lock".
Turn ignition on, but do NOT start engine. Step on brake pedal and you should hear a Click near the gear shift lever. This is the relay that unlocks the gear shift. If you don't hear a click each time you tap the brake pedal, you have an electrical problem - bad relay, break in wiring etc. You will likely need to have it towed to dealer for diagnosis/repair.

Hi there,

Some automatic vehicles rely on the brake switch (mounted on brake pedal) to be activated by depressing brake pedal. This signal then operates a relay and switch, to release the gear lever.

Firstly, I would check the brake pedal switch (are your brake lights working?).

If brake switch is confirmed OK, then inspect the relay (and related circuit components) of the gear release switch.

I agree...

When the brake switch (mounted on your brake pedal) is activated after depressing your pedal, this releases the gear mechanism.

You need to have the brakes inspected. This noise is the brake pad wear warning tab hitting the brake rotor.;

Should be a switch further up the brake pedal that contacts when the brake pedal is pressed. Check this switch to see if defective or broke.

Take a look at the shift lock. When you depress the brake is there an audible click heard coming from the center column? If not there could be a few possible problems. Either your brake pedal switch is defective(brake lights coming on?) the wiring to the shift lock is open or shorted, or the shift lock itself is defective. A quick fix is to remove the small plastic cover just right of the shifter that is the shift interlock manual release. Using a small pocket screwdriver depress the white plastic button and move the shifter.

The shift interlock does not allow the car to shift out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed.  Quick fix is with the car running to set the parking brake and turn the car to off and remover the key.  Put the key back in and turn one click to on.  Shift the car into neutral and you can start the car and go.  The repair for this is either the brake switch located on the brake pedal being replaced.  I had a broken wire leading to the switch that caused the problem.  It also can be a blown fuse.

your power brake booster has failed, or the large vacuum line to it under the hood has come undone.