Cant get car into gear also brake lights dont work could it be a fuse 2001 vw jetta .with engine running the gear shift stick will not go into drive mode.could this be a fuse?

We had this exact problem on an 03 Jetta and it was accompanied by an "EPS" light coming on on the dash. The problem turned out to be the brake switch; ours was under a recall but I don't know which years were recalled. The part is apparently easy to replace if you are handy enough but we had to have it towed to the dealership for replacement. Luckily there was no cost with the recall but I don't know how much it is if you have to pay for it.