My baby laptop

I bought a laptop several months ago on Woot, thinking I could install linux and play with it. I've wanted to use linux for years but was always worried I wouldn't find versions of all the adaptive software I use. I think I found most of what I need. So I tried installing Ubuntu unsuccessfuly. someotherguy kindly offered to help get it installed. He tried everything he could with no success either. Now we think its my CD drive or my hard drive that's screwed up. I don't know where there's a good computer repair person/service. Anybody have any suggestions around the San Leandro/Berkeley area to get a computer fixed?