Replace cd drive in averatec 5400

If this drive is in a removable caddy it can be fairly simple to replace with a new bare drive, preferably of the same brand and model -- often Teac, Toshiba, Samsung, Matsushita -- bought from a decent computer parts store or e-bay.

These days to save space caddies are not so common -- so a visit to the repair guy is probably a better idea.

Have a look here if you want to try it yourself:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/53660-35-notebook-lap...

Or as fihart said, if you're not comfortable with it, take it to someone who is.