hardtop front is locked in but the back isn't in the holes how do you get it to release?

Jimmy Bar! be cautious not to break anything. Got a small japanese one on my keychain that would work 'bout perfect!

Of course you've pulled "the release" whatever, or wherever that is first-

release header latches over windshield first, align rear latches and secure in place with the manual top tool. The actuator for the rear is between the roll bar and the side panels on each side. Once the rear is secured, pull down and latch the front header panel.

My hard top won't latch in the back of my 98 500 Mercedes they looked jamed

This just happened to me; here is the solution: Behind the sun visors there are two (one behind each) round plastic trim plugs that snap in and out. Remove those. Behind them are 6mm hex-heads/Allen-heads (one behind each). Those heads are manual twist locks for the roof. Turn them and the roof will release. (Most likely you will have to do it one side at a time unless you have people there to help.) What I did to prevent them from latching in before I wanted them to again was folded a terry cloth hand towel a couple of times then draped it over each latch hole on top of the windshield. That way the latches can rest there and the towel prevents them from falling in while I line up the back latches. Once the back latches are lined up properly pull the towels out and lock everything in place.