Having this laptop for almost three years i barely used the DVD player, because I had not need too. During a power outage this past summer, I pulled out the trusty laptop to try and watch a DVD until the power came on. No-Go. I was furious as I had already had to have a speaker replaced during the regular warranty period - and now this, in a time of need? 
Anyway, I have read here in the forums and elsewhere that these drives drop like flies, so I would like to know if anyone has found alternative replacement? I do not want to buy the same piece of garbage.
I have tried every fix in the book, to no avail. It will read CD-R, DVD-R but not "factory" DVD's.
Thanks in advance!