Visual cd drive but when disk is placed -no...

hi there,
got some good news and bad news -

the good news is that u can still get a replacement drive for your laptop P/N FRU P/N
ThinkPad 24x-10x CD-ROM Ultrabay 2000 Drive 05K9233 05K9158, 05K9159 Yes
try impactcomputer.com
http://www.impactcomputers.com/ibmparts-ibm-thinkpad-thinkpad-a21m-parts-ibm-thinkpad-a21m-2628--15-0-sxga--parts-storage.html

the bad news the drive might not be installed or is faulty ....in which case you will have to get someone u know with a contact number and knows about computer hardware to help u replace the drive...