As a high elf in Morrowind (I'm wondering if it has something to do with the height anyway), I can't seem to "reach" certain objects, which is especially a problem in sunken ships (i.e., objects that I can't reach in small nooks). Also, I have to "sneak" in order to reach trap doors, and even then, have to have the cursor right on the handle.

I could reach said objects/doors on other files, but this seems different.

Is there a file I can reach to change the distance at which I can access things, or an alternate way to access these chests/objects?

Hmm, I've never encountered this problem before. Though I've never been a high elf.

Well, you could go into the CS, and alter the size of the high elf. Or, and I don't think this'll work for doors, buy the telekinesis spell. And just cast it when you can't reach something.