Changing Headlight? - '99 Escort ZX2

Hi guys,

Sorry if this is a trivial question but i am not having much luck. I have a 1999 Ford Escort ZX2. At first i noticed the drivers side idle light (ie. the front light that comes on when your just driving in day time, not when you turn on the headlights) was not working. When you turned on the headlights it would start working. However now it does not come on when you turn on the headlights at all. I am hoping this is a simple light bulb replacement?

I went to take a look at it but i could not for the life of me access the drivers side headlight. What i saw was a small black plug but i couldnt unplug it. There also seemed to be a covering which i had no luck turning.

Can anyone assist me with this? Really dont want to pay the overpriced mechanics in town just to change a lightbulb ! It is very cold up here in the north so im wondering if the plugs and what not were all frozen stiff.

Thanks for any assitance !