FYI, this is the mod created by Darknut that greatly expands the Odrosal, Vemynal, and Dagoth Ur ruins in Red Mountain and adds numerous traps, puzzles, etc. I completed Odrosal and have the REAL Keening but now I'm totally stuck in Vemynal and looking for Sunder. I killed the ash vampire lord there next to what looks to be an elevator with an up and down switch. The buttons don't work and yeah...Any help would be appreciated seeing as there is no complete guide to this mod anywhere.

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1071332-relz-darknuts-greater-dwemer-ruins-thread-2/ is the appropriate thread for this - I had trouble in Vemynal too recently but just keep at it and check everything. It is a really fantastic mod.

To answer your question, I think there is a ladder you'll need to find which leads you to a room where you can activate the elevator you mentioned.