May be able to help (and learn) about your other problems but not with slides as mine doesn't have any.
Might want to peek inside to see what you might need to turn the side actuator manually.
Post a photo of the slide control.
I looked at my manual ('07-'09) and there is supposed to be a slide override button to the left of the in/out switch (hold down while manually cranking). Slides are supposed to be Lippert rack & pinion. Depending on which slide, the sockets you need appear to be 3/4" and 15/16".