How bad is my computer broken?

The DVD deck in a laptop is a standard part which can bought very cheaply, they may look different with different machines but that's just because the laptop manufacturer screws a piece of plastic to it which matches the case. Usually they can be removed by undoing a couple of screws (four at the most) from the underside of the machine without even opening up the case, if the correct screws aren't labelled then you can research your machine online. (it should be fairly easy to guess which screws, imagine a rectangle slightly longer than it is wide behind the front of the DVD drawer and you can guess which screws will be holding it in). Once you get the old deck out unscrew the plastic front from it, screw it to your new drive, push it back in and replace the two screws which hold it in. Whilst you're replacing it (if necessary) why not replace it with a Blu Ray drive instead? They're the same shape and have the same socket. You're lucky it was just the DVD drive, if it was the hard drive then you'd have to reinstall your operating system.

Before you panic, try opening 'Computer' (Windows Explorer), then right click on the icon for your DVD drive and choose 'Eject' from the menu in case it's just the button on the outside which is damaged. If the drive pops open then you can always just open it this way in future if necessary.

It's also possible that the impact has caused the drive's plug to become dislodged so if you're very lucky then removing it and then putting it back again might sort it.

Make sure that you get a suitable small cross-head screwdriver, if you try to use a large screwdriver or a kitcken knife and mangle the screw heads then you won't be able to remove it or open up the laptop. If you're unsure then maybe your 'IT guy' friend could do it for you, that is if you trust him with hardware as well as software.

If I were in your position I'd replace it with a Blu Ray drive, then tell my mum that I'd upgraded it rather than admitting to having repaired it. However, if I break my laptop then I don't have to answer to my mum because I'm 42 years old.

Edit: I'm happy to have helped.

dont do it over the laptop. if youre that uncomfortable breaking apart with him in individual, a minimum of call him. texting or iming or emailing is lame and extremely heartbreaking

>" This is why my mom said I couldn't have nice things!!"

I guess she's got your number!

Have you tried turning it off and back on?