I am trying to access my ECM located in the left side of the front of consol. I am having trouble removing the carpet

Can't be sure about your year but on a 96, to remove the side panel, you have to remove the seat, then the seat belt (and bolt) and then a a screw above the front of the seat belt bolt (in the plastic panel). After that, the console top covers need to come up starting with the glove box and moving forward, The covers are just a friction fit over the top carpet edge and screws in the plastic section. The whole panel should come off easily after that and you'll be surprised how little there is to the panel.

What year Vette?