SOAP DISPEN. DISHWASHER SOAP DISPEN NOT OPENINGI bought a brand new LG dishwasher about 6 months

Question

DISHWASHER SOAP DISPEN NOT OPENINGI bought a brand new LG dishwasher about 6 months ago. I've had a few problems with it. First, it gives off a smell when it operates. Secondly, more often than not, the soap dispenser does not open. I have read the manual and have tried putting a lot less soap but it still does not work. Should I try switching to liquid soap instead?