PS3 here - I didn't have any problem with VATS when I worked my way through there.
I also had my BFF Boone with me, and ED-E, so that helped. I don't know if this is a spoiler or not so I'll hide it:
Spoiler There's a terminal down there that will shut down the security systems, close to the entrance
I hate to jinx myself, but so far the only real persistently annoying issue I've had with my game is being unable to complete the Screams of Brahmin quest in Novac. Got the target but the quest never updated, and he isn't respawning. Meh.