The e-brake handle needs to be pulled even further up. Pull as hard as you can.
Pull until you think you are about to hurt the car or even yourself. Then get some leverage and pull harder.
(BTW - make sure the shift lever - manual or automatic - is in the center position.)
I had the same experience as you are having, for several minutes. I worked and worked at it. I ended up turning around 180 degrees, facing backward and pushing the lever up.
There is at least one more click that you haven't yet found. It is there, I promise.