PLEASE HELP!! Hood won't close.

I had my front hood open, and now when I try to close it, it doesn't latch. I tried cycling the mechanism with a screwdriver, but it just springs down without latching. I also tried wiggling, pulling and pushing the cable in the car and pressing the electric release several times, and it still doesn't work. I tried removing the front carpet piece covering the mechanism, but it won't come loose. There are a few plastic fasteners on one side that I don't know how to release. The screws came out easily, but it still felt solid when I tried to pull it off. I don't want to break anything. I then tried to start the car and it won't start, I assume that it was because the hood showed that it was open on the display. I'm at a loss and would like to fix this myself if possible. Any ideas? If I can get that carpeted panel off, maybe I can get a better view on how it works, and possibly fix it. Is there a solenoid that I can manually move, that may fix it?

 

I got it!! It was the emergency release inside the trunk! I forgot about that one, and there was a little tension on it the way it was shoved in the corner. I'm happy!
The next question is: I had the main power switch off to do some work. I turned it on, waited a minute or two, I pushed the alarm button to get 2 beeps, turned the ignition to the "on" position and waited at least 10-15 seconds (got the ok in the first few seconds). Then I attempted to start and it just cranked and cranked. I then shut it back off and hit the arm button, then unarmed again. I then turned the key to "on", waited 10 seconds again, started the car again. This time it started normally, but ran very rough for a few seconds then smoothened out. I am now letting it run for 10 minutes without touching it. I am going to take it out for a ride to verify that it is ok. Does all that sound normal?
Thanks!

 

Thanks,
I did make sure that the fans came on before I touched anything at all.
I'm going to take it for a spin later today. I'll let you know how it starts this time.

 

I just got back from a 20+ mile ride. It started perfectly without any stumbles, and ran great. I guess it was just the electronics adjusting themselves to the conditions.