PCG-NR120E/S black screen

When I turn on my PCG-NR120E/S the lights on the front of the computer come on, indicating the computer is powered up, the battery is charging, and the hard drive is spinning. However, the screen remains black. Not dark or dim as you would have if the backlight were out, but black -- it displays absolutely nothing. After a bit the sound plays that indicates Vista is displaying the login screen, so I am confident the computer is booting up normally.

I have tried plugging an external monitor into the computer, both before and after boot, but that also remains black. Hitting the Fn key combo to switch the display mode has no effect. The monitor displays nothing. I do this all the time with my machine, so I know that this function used to work flawlessly.

I'm thinking the video card is bad, which basically means the motherboard needs to be replaced. Sound correct to you guys?

Now here's where it gets complicated. I bought the machine in the US, but I have since moved to Europe. Even speaking to a human being at Sony here without a valid European serial number is all but impossible. Even if I am successful, I expect they will want me to pay more for a new motherboard than I paid for the machine in the first place. I have the skills to replace the motherboard myself if I can get my hands on one at the right price, but since the PCG-NR120E/S is a US model I don't think I will easily find one here. In the interest of expanding my options, does this model have a European equivalent whose motherboard I could drop in?

I love this laptop, so it makes me sad to find that everything negative I have ever heard about Sony customer service seems to be true. I expect some hassles in getting service here for a US-purchased laptop, but to not even be allowed to discuss the issue with somebody? Needless to say, I will not be buying another Sony....