The end result is worth the effort. I had the same trouble. Get a small flat blade screwdriver, jeweler size, like what you tighten your glasses with. Press down on the bulb, into the socket, hard, with one finger, then use the Screwdriver blade to "help" the pin on the side of the bulb base that you can see seated in the j-slot in the plastic housing up, then push, pry etc to move/rotate until its clear of the j-slot. Might want to wear a glove on the holding hand, that screwdriver bit likes to slip into the flesh with the amount of force you need.. The new bulbs go in much easier, and will make an amazing difference. Also clean your dimming rheostat to help make sure you have full voltage on the bulbs! Good luck! Jim