How to open front hood in 1999 Porsche Boxster with dead battery?

My 1999 Porsche Boxster (Canadian version) has a completely flat battery from sitting all winter. Now the front hood, which should give me access to the battery, won't open. I've done some internet research, and it seems there are four possible solutions:

1. a manual release cable hidden under one of the front wheel wells (its not clear if its L or R),

2. moving a tab between the two release levers under the driver's (L) door,

3. applying 12V power to a pull-out hood release tab in the fuse panel, or

4. charging the battery through the cigarette lighter.

And the results of my attempts:

1. I have not had any success with finding the manual release cable. I’m not even sure which side to look on. Does have anybody have a photo or a good description of where this mystery cable is? It would help if I knew if I should be looking in the left or right wheel well.

2. I can’t find a tab between the hood levers.

3. My fuse panel does not have the pull-out tab to power the hood release.

4. I’ve put a 2A charge on the cigarette lighter for 12 hours. The charger indicates it is delivering a charge, but I am not getting any signs of power at all in the car. I suspect the battery is too far gone to allow even a small charge.

Short of calling a tow truck and going to the Porsche dealer (which is what the owner’s manual call for), does anybody have any advice to offer?

Thanks in advance!