Took my car to get a oil change (at one of those 10 minute oil change places.) When I got home, I wanted to verify the oil level, but I couldn't get the hood open.

The little gizmo tab that comes through the grill was (is) not protruding like it normally does...it is flush with the grill...so I got some needlenose pliers and then grabbed and pulled, but no release. The hood seems jammed shut

What the heck do I do now? If I can't get it to release, is there any other way to remove the hood from the outside so I can see what is causing the problem?