Hey Bella, do you have the type with a round metal ring bracket that uses two brass threaded nuts with compression springs?

If it’s like mine, that top is sometimes a bear to get off. Remove the bracket. then I use a flat head screwdriver, one with a wide driver and I don’t pry the lid with an up and down motion, I turn the screwdriver enough to break the top free. You might have to do this in a couple spots to get it off.

Just make sure the pressure is at 0. Open the bleed valve on top to release any pressure.

Here is a picture of mine.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...terSpring2.jpg