Phil, since you say
to hit the display button until it turns green and then hit the up button
I assume you are using an X BOX, if so I found that you have to press A until the green light comes on, this means you have built up the strength to open the window, then hit L and R and then press up with both joysticks
The first button (or key) you press repeatedly is for building the energy to be able to open the window, the second is for the actual movement and has to be done almost immediately when the icon turns green, if not you loose the energy accumulated and have to start all over.