Mine is a 12" PB as well. Thank you for your reply.

I'm glad you found the solution to fix yours. Truth is, I don't feel comfortable taking the entire thing apart and don't feel at ease sending it away either. Is that little piece there just to protect the cd/dvd? If that's the case, I'd much rather have a scratched up disc than an unworkable PB.
Did you have to glue yours back on?