The light still comes on so I know its plugged in but it's not even trying to rise. I did the gear swap about 7 months ago and have had issues with it ever since but now it's plain and simply not rising... What do I need to turn the manual motor? I can't seem to do so by hand...

 

Should easily move by hand, so it sounds like the gear box or motor are jammed. Check the voltage at the connector and if that's ok, your probably going to have to pull the assembly.