Do not remove the tranny cover with the spring wound. Just dont.
What you do is pull the back brake handle as far as it will go. If this doesnt work, you need to adjust the cable.
So look at the top of the transmission. At the very end is the brake lever, but about half way along the top of the transmission is the spring release lever. You can adjust the nut on the cable to make it release sooner, and then you should be on your way.
Hope this helps!