The hood lever under the instrument panel will not open hood.
Any suggestions?

This sounds like a job for...Dealerman!

But first...Are you sure the hood is closed and securely latched? If it's not securely latched, the catch won't pop when you pull the release. Try lifting the edge of the hood yourself. Maybe it didn't catch the last time you shut it.

And you're pulling the lever hard enough? I presume you are, but what's happening? Does the lever move readily? Do you hear a clunk when you pull it? Or nothing at all?

Thanks for your reply. The lever moves easily but nothing happens.
I haven't been able to open the hood since I bought the car one week ago.

Unless this was a private-party sale, I'd take the car back to the dealer and let them sort it out, as that ought to be covered under warranty. Sounds like the release mechanism has snapped somewhere along the line or has detached from its connections.