Originally Posted by bnorth99 
thanks wombar anmd javalord,
I think you're absolutely right - I will just get a new DVD drive ( any advice there ? I spose it doen't matter that much) and get a friend help me replace it !
at least it was a cheapish PC but £600 is still not peanuts !
and you're right re trade magazine recommendations - and the rest are no better
Computer "advice you can trust" Buyer are touting Eclipse this month despite the web full of complaints about them !
computerbuyer.co.uk/registration/index.php?p=e&i=46e680444e7ddd2a
Seriously, its not that hard to replace by yourself even if your not 'inside a computer' literate. There's a power cable, an IDE/SATA cable and possibly a audio cable. Making sure you put them in the right way (follow the notches) and undoing a few screws on the side of the case that hold the drive, there really isnt much to do!
As for magazines, I gave up reading on them years ago for the very same reason - clearly biased towards advertisers rather than honest feedback.