Dave,
I used to fix laptops and this was a 1 in 4 repair !! Literally a quarter of all laptops coming in had this fault (or started with this fault). Sometimes the contact would be damaged and the gap would cause the socket and or board to overheat. Even though I don't normally repair laptops anymore I still get asked to do this fix which normally takes about an hour and costs a bottle of JD
Do a search on ebay for the exact model number with "DC" and you will probably find the socket for under a tenner (normally under a fiver). If you are lucky the socket will be connected to a flying lead but it might be soldered to the main motherboard. The de-soldering part is very simple and quick if, like me or a repair centre, you have a de-soldering station but if you don't then it can be very fiddly and you can ruin the motherboard if you lack experience.
I can talk you through it if you like but you will need to post the exact model number.
Taking a laptop or something else apart is not that daunting if you follow a simple technique I have explained over and over.....
Draw the bottom of the computer on a piece of paper and get a fishing tackle/plastic box with lots of compartments.
Remove the first screw and put a "1" next to the location of the screw on your diagram then place the screw into the first compartment....
Remove the second screw.... Does it match screw "1" completely? If YES then place it into location 1 and draw a "1" next to the location on the diagram.... If NO then place it into location 2 and draw a "2" next to the location on the diagram.
Continue this until you have removed the screws. Do the same around the whole machine as you take it apart. I also take photos as I go along marking the photo number on each diagram.
I do the above for each new device I take apart so as to build up special instructions for each one......
Taking connectors off motherboards where wires attach is the BIG issue. YOU MUST BE CAREFUL and work out HOW they connect before yanking them. Also try and avoid pulling them by the actual wires.
Sods law dictates that you will have to totally remove everything from the laptop just to get the board out and then it will be soldered on but you might be lucky.