Throttle/Shifter won't go into gear

[Capt. Tido]

2009 Cobalt 8.1L, with DPS-A outdrive . Boat was shut off while in forward gear. Then it wouldn't start because couldn't get it into neurtral. Managed to get it back into neurtral and start. Now can't get it into gear. Button to allow throttle to work in neutral doesn't always pop back out when pushed in.
Very few hours on boat. Fresh water. Cables look straight. Duo props felt like they were stuck, but we were able to free them. Ideas?