Broken DVD/RW on laptop

[linusberry]

I am a computer novice. My Sony VAIO laptop's DVD/RW drive has stopped working. It doesn't recognise when I put a disc in the tray. The DVD/RW doesn't appear to be replaceable (unlike the slot-in 3.5" disk drive). Would something such as this be mendable, or does it mean my laptop is destined to the grave? Many thanks in advance.

[rojash]

The drive can be replaced, but your best course is to take it to a shop specialising in Sony (or at least laptop) products.