Sony Vaio Z DVD-R Problems: Panasonic (Mata) UJ-862AS

I have a vaio z (VGN-Z590) and I can't seem to read or write DVDs and CDs, however, I can read CDs (not the CD-Rs). I was wondering if I could replace the drive myself with any Panasonic (Mata) UJ-862AS or do I need the specific sony drive? If I do need the sony drive, is there somewhere I can order it? I'm under the useless extended warenty where they want me to send my computer to them for 2 weeks when it would take me 1hr to fix it myself. Maybe they will send me the drive, haha.

Thanks very much,
Lyle

 

Looks like it might. The form factor is correct so you can attach the mounting brackets.

Only open question is whether the faceplate will snap on. Looks like the LED activity light, emergency eject pinhole and normal eject button are in the right place. Can't say the faceplate bracket mounts will snap in, but it probably will.

If I were looking for a replacement drive for my Z591, the UJ862AS would be on my short list.

Good hunting

EDIT: Oh, I took a ton of pics showing the UJ232A and UJ242ABSX2-S. LINK

 

There is one on ebay now
UJ862ARSX6-S Sony Vaio Z DVDR DL combo burner 9.5mm on eBay (end time 04-Jun-10 23:46:32 BST)

Or you could get one and strip it yourself
You can get one here with a 3 month warranty.
New Matsua UJ-862 Ultraslim Drive

You can get up two yrs warranty through Square trade if you purchase from certain sellers in the US.

I'm sure a new one through Sony spare parts would be a lot more expensive.