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Just drop the cover and you will be able to unscrew the electrical portion of the switch (two torx screws). Then you can start it with a small flat blade screwdriver. Make sure the steering column is unlocked before trying to drive it.
The usual failure mode is that part of the "guilotine" locking mechanism inside has broken off, jamming the axle that goes from the key side to the electrical switch side. You can drill out the staked in portions of the cadmium plated steel 3 cm square in the bottom of the mechanical portion of the switch. When this comes out, there will be a spring and the broken off piece that falls out. When you do this you will lose the steering lock function, but everything else will work fine.
The proper repair involves ordering a new cylinder and chipped keys (assuming your car is '99 or newer) at the dealer (the parts are made by Valeo in Germany, so it takes a while). The cost is significant, and involves some finicky work removing the antitheft bolts that hold the mechanism to the steering column. I opted to drill mine out-- the parts were 10% of the value of my car!
Good luck!
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