HELP song vgn fs830/w

hello! i had a sony vgn fs830 laptop imported from america to the uk about 6 months ago. my motherboard has stopped working. ive taken it to a guy in the uk but he says it is not worth replacing as the parts are unavailable in the uk and sony wont ship. can anyone help me?? i am a complete techno phobe and havent got a clue about computers i dont even know what a motherboard is!!!! (sorry). im a single parent trying to get myself through university and i need my laptop for that. i dont have much money so does anyone have any suggestions for me? thanks for taking the time to read this steph xx