1995 C220 hood release problem

i have a (US model) 1995 C220, i'm having a problem opening the hood. the hood lever got stucked at the open position but the hood lock mechanism does not want to release. i have tried to push & pull the cable but it still doesn't work. i tried to pull & push the hood but nothing happens.
what is your suggestion for my problem? what do i have to remove to gain access to the hood lock mechanism?