Fashion Mate 7256 Bobbin Cover Release Spring

Hi folks.

I have a Fashion Mate, which looks identical to this machine.

When I use the bobbin cover release button to release the bobbin cover plate, the plate doesn't pop up like it used to. Something bent for some reason, and that underlying pressure isn't there to pop it up. How can I fix this?

The plate holds on to the left side, so I'm thinking it's in that side. But I'm not sure where. Does anybody know what I should look at? Here are some images:

My machine images

Any insight appreciated. Cheers