Unlocking the "layer" in Photoshop to edit VC number

[Timberleaf 1]

For those who can, I am able to see the "hidden" layer within the VC number file for painting the 777, but I cannot edit the layer because it has a LOCK. How do I UNLOCK the layer to edit it? I have looked within the program I use, Photoshop Elements 9, and I see no where to UNLOCK.

 

As a painting kit, why was this layer sent out locked if it was not intended to be edited? I see others can, why can't I? Any thoughts / guidance to my ignorance / ineptitude would be appreciated. But please, be kind. I am a novice painter.

 

More to the point, I am trying to change the VC number. When I edit it, I see 8 channels, and ONE, the "Alpha" stays the same, as though I didn't edit anything at all. I have read on other forums outside of Flight Sim that this channel can be edited through "Load Selection". It does load, but when what I thought I edited is saved, I still have that pesky N777L mask.

[Fabo 213]

Down there, under the list of layers, should be a button. IIRC, I haven't done that in months.

 

About the alpha, you have to make it fit the text in RGB channels. and save the dds with it included.