I'm trying to get to the screws under the spindle cap, but they're stuck under it, so I was wondering if getting rid of these screws highlighted would help me to get to those screws
Just turn it until the notch aligned with the screw, then unscrew the screw while pressing in slightly on the side of the notch.
Edit: That second picture in your original post shows the notches aligned with the screws, so it should be that way. You could take a playing card and try to slip it between the two see if there is anything binding it.