Battery isn't coming out!

[Multibeemer]

Sorry for the redundant posts, but we're planning to take the X5 on a two-week vacation in a few days, the original battery just died, and I can't get it out to replace it, so I'd like to get this resolved as quickly as possible.

I've read dozens of battery threads, and those that speak of the R & R process say it's extremely simple - one person even said "your wife or girlfriend could do it." But my problem is that that log bolt on the right side of the battery, which bolts the battery hold-down clamp (or whatever it's called) to the car is just spinning and spinning, without loosening in the least. The entire shaft of the bolt is spinning, as is the part at the bottom which is in contact with the hold-down clamp. Is this normal? Am I missing something? Is there some trick to getting this bolt out? Thanks.