The small levers are meant to be pushed up and when fully pressed will retract out of the way of the battery (it will "click" and latch in the open position). The lever pushes a wedge behind the battery that shoves the battery sideways so you can lift it out vertically. If you are having any connection between the contacts the latch is not fully extended. You can remove the 4 "grip" screws (You'll need a T6 long screwdriver) to loosen the plastic opening slightly if it's wedged there but if you want to remove the cover completely you will have to take out 3 more screws located under the sticker on the backplate. I've never had any issues with my Eneloop batteries getting stuck and if they fit in they come out with just my thumb and finger for leverage (they are slightly girthier then standard batteries).[br]