"> Have you looked on eBay for a replacement?  There are quite a few listed:

Yes, but that was why I was asking here:

Lots of ads there seeem to suggest that any slimline CD unit will fit in 
this unit easily whereas the Toshiba (one which doesnt RW) is usually only 
available at (slightly) highish retail prices from retailers.  (My 
definition of 'high' doesnt reflect the manufacturer's reluctance to supply 
a part for a five year old computer except at a crazy price of two to three 
times the value of the computer, it reflects the unit's age)

Unless they say, somewhat suspiciously, 'this unit is a working pull but is 
untested and is being sold as-is'

(And I am still worrying about whether a drive some manufacturer like 
Gateway ordered by the million for their computers will have the same 
connectors as the same model Sony ordered:  I cant see why it should, - 
unless someone on these boards has done this replacement already)