Your problem most likely stems from the cable link coming off the lever. Put your head under the driver's side dash (right above your petals) and make sure the black ball is connected to the white plastic connector/joint. I was taking the lower part of my dash off to install a radio, and the linkage feel off. It caused my hood to not open! I freaked out, but noticed that all i had to do was put the link back on. All is good now. If this fails, try to pull the steel wire cable with a pair of needle nose pliers. This should get your hood open. Let me know if this helps! your gas release is the same way.
