Laptop problem

[Narnia]

I have a laptop computer that I use for school. I had a pair of headsets plugged in and the cat stepped on the jack that plugs the headsets into the computer. The headsets quit working. I tried another pair of headsets and they didn't work either. I tried both pairs of headsets on a different machine and they worked fine. The port on my computer where the headsets plugged in is now loose so I'm guessing that something was either pulled loose or broken.

1. Is this something that I could fix or is this a job for the experts? Any idea who those experts would be? (the laptop no longer has a warranty, it is a Toshiba Satellite A660)

2. is it possible something just got unplugged/disconnected? If so, could I just plug it back in/do something else to get it working again or will it need to be replaced?

3a. If it can be fixed without replacement, how hard is this likely going to be?

3b. If it can be fixed with replacement, what parts would I need, where can I get them, and how much will it cost?

4. I have a microphone jack on my computer that works fine and physicality, it appears identical to the headset jack except for that it's a different color, this may sound stupid, but it is possible for me to get my computer to treat it like a headset jack instead of a microphone jack or is there an actual physical difference between the two ports (I'm guessing there is and swapping the two isn't possible but it can't hurt to ask)

5. The only experience I have working with computer hardware is a while ago I had two identical laptops (different laptops, not this one). One had a virus that I couldn't get rid of (and it also overheated) and the other's screen broke so I swapped out the two screens. I later moved the screen back, along with the ram, harddrive, cd drive, and a few other random components when the second computer's motherboard broke.

6. If I do need new parts, the headset jack in that old computer still works (we replaced the old laptop and don't need it anymore), could I just use it's headset port?

Thanks for the help

 

[Abaddon]

I imagine the connector part that is damaged should be incredibly easy for a geek with a soldiering iron, cheaply too.

Try an find an independent computer shop, full of bits of computers, with the owner actively working on a computer from 2004.. an he will probably fix it in half an hour for £5.

 

[Narnia]

I imagine the connector part that is damaged should be incredibly easy for a geek with a soldiering iron, cheaply too.

Try an find an independent computer shop, full of bits of computers, with the owner actively working on a computer from 2004.. an he will probably fix it in half an hour for £5.

I live in the middle of nowhere. I don't know anyone like that.

Does it have to be a computer geek? My dad doesn't know very much about computers, but he has a lot of experience with electricity. I've seen him repair cd players, fix a pair of headsets whose cord had broken in half, he did the wiring in our house, and he's done a bunch of other things involving electricity. Could he apply those skills to fixing my computer? Or do I need to get a computer expert to do this?
If I need to get a computer expert to do this, the nearest large town is Wenatchee, WA (USA). I already took it to office depot and they said they couldn't fix it (something about taking apart computer being against their policy). Does anyone know of any other places I could get it repaired at? Also, if I took it to a store, how long would it take for them to fix it?
btw thanks for the help.

PS: what is the correct name for this part? Is it a headset jack, a headset port, a headset plugin, or something else? Thanks

 

[innonimatu]

I imagine the connector part that is damaged should be incredibly easy for a geek with a soldiering iron, cheaply too.

Try an find an independent computer shop, full of bits of computers, with the owner actively working on a computer from 2004.. an he will probably fix it in half an hour for £5.

Certainly not for £5, carefully taking apart a laptop and putting it back together is time-consuming, even if the actual fix will probably be trivial, soldering the jack back to a small PCB or wire, I'm guessing.

If you don't mind risking accidental damage to something more important go ahead and search for the service manual, take the laptop apart to reach the jack and try to fix the problem, you should just need one or two small philips screwdrivers, a soldering iron a little solder (or not even that).

 

[Turner]

Toshibas are a pain in the butt to take apart. It certainly is very time consuming and labor intensive.

I'd say if your dad feels comfortable taking it apart go ahead and let him. Once you get to the hardware level of the machine, there is little difference between a laptop computer and a cd player, aside from the complexity of the device.

 

[Abaddon]

I only live in a small town, but I am lucky that such a shop exists. They will tinker away with stuff and only charge if they fix and all sorts.

As I said, it is essential its a geek who enjoys twiddling more than anything. It seems your dad might be just the man!

innonimatu, you are right, wrong shop and it will cost you £20 just for them to look at anything, let alone fix it. But honestly, this place is amazing
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?q=aristos+bridlington&hl=en&cid=11375739503760847861