spark plug removal

I have a 98 Escort zx2. I can't get the at the spark plugs. The wires are under a cover and when thats removed only the top of the wires show. i can't get enough leverage to remove the wires. Do I need a special tool to remove the wires or do I need to take the top of the engine off? The Chilton manual I have doesn't explain how to remove these wires. The wires on every other car I've had didn't have the spark plug boot covered???

bump bump

help

help

pull, but you might wanna post zx2 stuff in the zx2 forum. don't take the valve cover off please. just seriously, sometimes they are a bit tough to pull off and you gotta pull a bit harder. give it a try and post back.