Modern Vespa

Hello to all, I look at this site every now and then since i bought my first scooter about 6 months ago. I have not had much need to write since i don't know much about repairs and such.......that is until about 2 weeks ago when i went to put gas in my scooter and the seat will not open, I am almost positive that it is a broken cord because the key turns but doesn nothing....i have read what has been posted here but with no avail of any help to actually getting the seat open. I am a 20 year old college student with not much money to pay someone to come and get the scooter and fix it and I do not have much gas to travel far (my city is not a scooter riding city and the closest dealer/service is 20 miles away) If anyone could help me I would really appreciate it....i have work tomorrow and really need to get this fixed tonight or tomorrow!

It's kind of hard to know what to suggest when you have your scooter listed as a "retro no name brand". Can you give us a hint to what it is?