sounds like your handle is it not connected to the cable. There is a little plastic piece that fits around the handle to keep in it place. that easily pops in and out with a screw driver. I slid the tip of the screwdriver right in the middle & popped it right out- although if you still have the handle attached this might not be as easy.
After you pop it out, look through the hole and you will see a metal piece, use the screw driver (long handled will be better) to move that piece forward and down (I think that's right) it's been a while since I had to do this) and the hood should pop open. It may take a couple tries, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to open it that way.