Quite probable that there is muck, dust, pellet skirt debris or congealed oil/grease stopping the ABT releasing and allowing the cocking lever to return. The trigger blocking plate may be sticking or the slide release could also be stuck (although this should not cause the cocking lever to jam I suspect). Although the trigger may have cocked (piston and sear engaged) the ABT has to release before the cocking lever can return allowing the safety button to depress when the compression cylinder is back at home in the outer cylinder. Be very careful if trying to release the ABT, if the sear has not engaged the piston the cylinder will return under spring pressure! Keep fingers out of the loading port!
It's a while since I dismantled one and I don't currently have a pistol or even a diagram to remind myself.