ok i ran into the same problem with my 97 jetta GL ... when i bought the car ... the alarm is activated by the driver door (as you already know) ... put your key in the run position (before the start position) do not turn key all the way , disconnect then reconnect the battery, this should reset your alarm and disarme it ... everytime you have a problem with the alarm this should reset it ...(of course this is only temporary) worked for mine