I took the bulb out but I can not get the new one in! it is as if the holes are closed

What brand is your vacuum? I have a Kirby with the light in the front. Make sure you have the correct bulb with the same size and number of threads. Look on the web under repair instructions for you particular brand and see if there is a description for replacement of the bulb. If you have a vacuum cleaner parts and repair store at your location, then you should call them. Something as simple as changing a bulb on your specific should not present a problem for them. I do not follow what you mean by the holes seem to be closed. Is it that the bulb will not go in the hole for some reason or that you cant install it? Have you tried to see if the old bulb will go back in the hole you removed it from. If it does, then you have the wrong replacement bulb. If it doesnt, then there must be some leaver or somehting you have to engage or disengage to get the hole to open. Of course, make sure the machine is unplugged while you are doing any of these functions.