This should not be as much trouble as you are going through.
A spring compressor should not be put on a spring unless the shock/spring is already removed from the car. Don't ever unscrew the top center bolt/nut of a shock with it still on the car.
----------------------------------------------
We are giving suggestions based on what we think the problem is.
I would like to actually look at it. There is something that we are missing, here.
What part of town are you in?-Bob