Unable to open laptop bottom panel

I did check the servicemanual. But it didn't explain why the panel is stuck. See attached image

Service manual:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/latitude-14-3410-laptop/docs

I would assume that it means that the cover folds off in that direction.

As for your original post, it's possible that there's a plastic clip in the center holding the cover in place as you already pointed out. I recently worked on a laptop of another brand which also didn't mention any clips in the service manual, but with some light twisting and nudging of the cover, I was finally able to free it without breaking anything. You may want to try doing a Google or YouTube search on the disassembly of your model, as that may reveal what could be holding the cover down. Just be sure there isn't a screw that needs to be removed from underneath the keyboard.

Thanks for your reply. You are exactly right. There is some sort of catch/clip right in the middle. I tried to twist and nudged it a little but to no avail. I fear if I apply any more force, the panel might just break.

I did do a google/youtube search. The videos I reviewed just show them easily removing the panel. Only 1 video had a cut scene where it seems he too had a difficult like mine. But he didn't show how he overcome it.

I guess I can only ask Dell about it.

It looks like the arrow means to slide the panel in that direction to open it.