Looking for an optical drive for my ze4560 :(

So I have a HP Pavilion ze4560 that's going to be four years old soon.
My parents weren't computer-savvy enough to look into getting a warranty when they bought it for me: big mistake. Of the many things that have gone wrong with it since then, the number one problem that has bugged me the most was that my cd-dvd rom died about two years ago. I've tried looking for one, but everywhere I've looked it's at least $200 for a new optical drive, which is probably more than my computer is worth!
You'd think that since it's an older computer, the parts would be cheaper? Or maybe it's just wishful thinking.

Is there a better solution to this?
People keep telling me I should look for an external cd-rom, but I think that kind of defeats the purpose of having a portable notebook that I can just put in a bag and take with me everywhere

Does anyone know of a good place to get a cd-dvd drive?

 

EBAY! best bet for it. I bought a dvd/rw cdrw for my zv5160 since it didnt have dvdrw. I think I paid 45 dollars if I am not mistaken.

 

I had a Pavilion ze4427wm that would be approaching 4 years old in September, and my optical drive was always very picky. I sold it to my best friend and he has told me that burning CD's requires Memorex CD-R's. Not even the HP CD-R's work; and it's an HP computer! But I would recommend looking on eBay because I have seen some optical drives up there for $60. Don't look at HP's website; they overcharge for everything.