Do laptops have batteries on their MOTHERBOARDS (those little round, flat one's) or is the clock powered by the laptops main battery?The batteries on laptops are the same as those found on desktop motherboards...CMOS.In my laptop i stripped a screw, so i guess when the battery goes dead i won't be able to replace it.What does STRIPPING a screw have to do with replacing the CMOS battery on your laptop?

If you can get the laptop open and get to the motherboard where the battery is located...you can simply pop it out and replace it...be careful you don't pop the base off that secures the battery, though.That's my point, i cant get to the motherboard because the screw is stripped. i cant undo the screw to open the laptopTry a larger or sharper phillips head screw driver. If you can't get the case open...you can't change the battery.

Can't help you when it comes to removing screws.Can you still use the computer if the battery is dead?
Basically...it's just used for keeping time...but if it's dead...you should replace it.It also holds the setup information in ROM so yes you can and will have issues down the road.
I'd suggest a service SHOP in your area.
They've PROBABLY come across this issue before and would best know how to deal with it.