Messing up is a bit of an extreme sense of the process involved. Mess with is probably more accurate, and if not careful, especially if they are cold, then mess up.
Run the engine with the heat blowing to warm the interior nicely and remove the panels. They are typically only held on by press in clips. There are specialty tools for an average of $20 that come in really handy across all years makes and models of vehicles, but you can get by with a standard flat pry bar with the thinner the better to keep from cracking the plastics. A straight screw driver or kitchen knife you aren't worried about dulling works too.
Once the panels are removed ( you may not have to remove completely, just open enough to get inside to...) find the parts that have to be pulled to release your latch. Watch some tube vids to see that if you don't already know.
