Just a bit of an idea here. When I was experimenting with linux music/media boxes made of random old parts I came across a similar problem. You can buy a small tool that is designed to fit around these pins so you can apply much less force than using a screwdriver or knife, although these methods are perfectly fine as well. While I was using an old Pentium D I noticed that one of the outer pins was missing. I grabbed a very small capacitor from my parts box and thinned down the leg until it would fit into the motherboard socket. Then using a tiny amount of conductive glue i connected my new leg to the nub left on the board. Its been two years and the computer is still working with no problems. Of course I don't know if that pin was redundant, but it might be worth a shot for you.