It may be snagged on something, as it should lift up. Use a block of wood to avoid denting the oil pan and be gentle. An engine hoist would be prefered, though.
A cherry picker can usually be found very inexpensively and is invaluable. If you have a bit of space to store it (folded up), it's really worth it.
p.s. You could jack up the engine and use the picker to fasten to your wife and suspend her in an out of the way spot while you work.