How to download photos

I have a Studio 17 laptop. and I want to download photos from my digital camera using the chip in the camera.

There are two ports on the lower left side of the laptop. I believe i can use the smaller one for the chip from my camera.

PROBLEM.... its got a piece of plastic in it which presumably I have to remove to insert the chip.

1. is the 'plastic' removeable?

2. How do I remove it?

Thanks  Pollenca