paula

Hi...i'm new here..i have a 96 legacy outback...i love this car and will own only subaru's from here on out.... My question is this: My brake lihts aren't working. I checked the fuses and changed the bulbs. till no luck. I am not a mechanic and am only working part time so I need to know if there is something I can check? Or is there a more likely than not problem so that when I do go to a mechanic I am not being taken to the cleaners? any suggestions? I would appreciate ANY help. Thank you !