The problem can be mechanical, electrical, or software related. Often a drive will fail in the exact manner as described, or will have read errors before failing. If the drive is powered and attempts to read-spins up etc. You can try cleaning the read head/s on the drive by using one of those cleaner kits available at most computer stores. There are several choices on cleaning devices e.g. a disk made of bush like material that when placed into the drive spins up and brushes the read head clean. Often due to motion involved with the laptop some times a plug, or connector will come loose inside the machine. I recently had a laptop that had one half of the display failed. After taking it apart I discovered that a plug had disconnected from the half that was inactive-plugged it back and all was well. Laptops are extremely difficult to work on-hidden screws, parts that snap together etc. I would suggest that after normal simple tests are done-check bios, operating system, clean heads etc.; if them problem is not found take it to a professional for repair.
