Seat belt won't move

wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar problem that i currently have. 2001 ford taurus wagon. When i try to pull the seatbelt down from the side of the interior to put it in the buckle it intermittently will not move. it seems as though the emergency mechanism is locked somehow. obviously, want to get this fixed right away. was hoping not to have to pull all of the interior apart. due for inspection next month as well. any thoughts???

-M