Page 1 of You are all going to think I`m stupid!!!

Right troops a blast from the past here. I recently acquired my daughter`s PS1 and have been playing Oddworld Abe`s Odyssey ever since. However I cannot seem to get off, eh,... level hmm.. eh.. one! Yes that`s right one. I have found the exit, the spaceship thingy that takes me to level two, but when I get there the door to leave the docking pad thing is closed.
I am assuming I need to find/save more guys on level one. I seem to be at a dead end at the part of the level where the bomb machine is. If I leave the level at this point ( via a ledge on the right)I enter another level, kill all the guys I haven`t found and can only go three screens before I get stuck. If I go the other way at the bomb bit I meet a laser barrier thingy that I for love nor money cannot seem to find the switch for. I think I need to find this switch. Does anyone know/ can anyone remember where it is?
Demented.
I have no access to a P.C. during the week normally so I probably won`t be able to check all the wonderful replies I shall no doubt recieve until next week. Plenty of time to help me then!!

Thanks
Me.

I don`t klnow, but
www.gamefaqs.com will :)

Al