Hello, I'm a newbie, sure glad to find this site.
I want to replace my own CD-Rom DRIVE, but am concerned I will not have enough instructions with the hardware. How can I feel confident before I buy?You should have no trouble at all...there are only 2 connectors going to the REAR of the CDRom drive and they are designed to plug in only one way.
Take your time.
Remove all power sources before OPENING the case.
Take anti-static precautions.

for very good and easy instructions see here:-
http://www.dvworkshop.co.uk/Computer/Adding_Drives___Cards/CD_or_DVD_Drive/cd_or_dvd_drive.html
or
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/cd-writers/lg-cdrw-8x4x32/297353/

there are only two connections "a 4 wire plug (called actually a molex plug)" this is curved at the top for inserting back in, and "an IDE wide flat cable" which will have either a black or red coloured edge which is the side the goes against the 4 pin plug. probbably four small phillips screws two on either side, remove them and replace them.
Make sure that the small jumper is set as SLAVE if it is on the same ide cable as the hard drive.Thanks to both uesquebeathus & Patio!
This should get the job done without a lot of confusion.
THANK you, Thank you, Thank you!You're Welcome...let us know. And stop by anytime !