You just need to radio removal keys to pull out the radio, then you can just push the a/c control head from behind and it will pop out.

 

Nice

 

my a/c buttons were the same way when i bought the car. i just kept pushing them all the time while driving (even when they didn't respond or feel like they moved, and aaaaaalllllllllllllllll the time) for about a week. (i didn't know bout this site then). eventually, they all loosened. hell, i couldn't even get the cup holder overhead to move. never seen anyone talk re:that. here's hoping my superficial cleanings are getting rid of whatever was in there.