Resetting BIOS Password

I got a computer from my old school, and wanted to get rid of windows 7 and load it up with linux. But the IT department there had locked bootup mode, so I plugged the hard-drive into my computer to format the harddrive. That worked, and I was able to open up the BIOS, but there's one more issue. The BIOS is fucking locked. It requires a password. So I unplugged the CMOS battery, im going to keep it unplugged for 15 to 20 minutes, beyond this. What should I do? Is it hopeless? It's also worth noting that I called the IT department and asked about it, and they said the guy who put the passwords on left...