Spool holder

Question

My machine is actually about 12 years old but I have a problem that doesn't really relate to the model. The little poles that the spool of thread goes on got pushed all the way down do nothing is sticking up. I know if I take the cover off I should be able to push them back up but believe it or not, I can't seem to get the cover off, I have removed many of the screws that seem to be holding it together but am afraid to take too many as I may not be able to put it back together!