Sony Vaio FZ DVD drive -time for replacement

I have a Sony Vaio FZ445 which has problems with the Otiarc DVD AD-7560. What happens is that when playing audio, the sound skips playing CDs.

I have tried all the requisite diagnostics, like checking the IDE channels to see if the mode is DMA or PIO, and installing and reinstaling the drivers and firmware updates for the drive. It still happens and looks like I need a new DVD drive. I have XP Pro and Ubuntu 9 and it does this in both OS's (which affirms my suspicion that its not a codecs or driver issue). I have also always cleaned the drive every dozen uses too.

So, my question is - am I limited to using only a new Sony DVD drive to replace it? and... is it easy to replace these drives oneself?

any guides or links would be greatly appreciated.

 

Try this link:

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/take-apart-sony-vaio-vgn-fz220-repair-power-jack/

 

You tried http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-matrix.pl?upd_id=4699 which shows that there is an overhaul of drivers for that DVD drive in that list of models (if you have an FZ445E or E/B -- it matters)? The overhaul just came out 6/9 and is a different one from what was issued earlier (like around March) for other models with that drive.

As for your swap-out question, if you're in warranty, call Sony. If not, mosey around the esupport site and see what other models of DVD drive have been used in your series and you'll be assured of compatibility by using Sony's drivers.

Good luck....