I had a similar problem with my screen screwing up. Instead of junking it, I plugged the Video out of the laptop into a monitor and used it like that. Sucks that you can't take it around with you but at least you can still use it:)
Sound like you might have a physical problem with your Hard Drive.
I would recommend you find out the manufacture of the hard drive on your system. (Find out your model # and log on to Dell's site and check the specs of your system).
Another way to find the model of your Hard Drive would be...
In my opinion using your Line In to record sound will give you poor sound quality. I recommend you get a converter such as this one that plugs into your USB 2.0 port.. Usually these devices come with programs to record and convert your music as well...
If you're making copies of DVD's that you own for personal use (I'm not sure what the laws are in your country) but I'm pretty sure it's legal. I would recommend a tiny program you can download off the net called DVD43 to get rid of the copyright protection of the movie, then use a program like...