My problems and the symptoms

So what is your question exactly..

I'd say your first order of business is getting the hood open- why won't it open?

Next would be pulling your wheels off and visually checking the brakes.. does your car brake ok(regardless of the noise?) does it make the sound just sitting idle w/o brakes on or is it only when you are driving and step on the brakes?

You said that you just had your brakes checked- did they check the rear ones too?

ripthesystem