You probably had the steel or lead plug come loose from the cable. That plug fits into a recess in the handle. Just clamp a small pair of vise grips to the cable end and pull smoothly. You will be able to open the hood that way while you wait for a replacement cable and handle (sold separately). Inexpensive to replace, not too difficult either.

PS: all caps is akin to yelling.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.