I had to check the walkthrough on this one.

The walkthrough states:
I recommend that you take a picture of the lock and work on it outside the game. - not at the ship.
It means that since this is a timed puzzle and very complicated, it is best that you take a picture of the puzzle; exit the game and do it at your leisure.
You can take a picture of the puzzle by pressing the key on your keyboard labeled "Print scrn".
Then open Start - All Programs - Accessories - Paint program. Then select "paste" on the Paint program.
You will then see the puzzle and can work on it. You can also print that puzzle on paper.