REALLY bizarre startup problem

[MavDesu]

Got a bizarre but potentially fatal problem with my Macbook...

First off, the screen stayed gray for a lot longer than normal, until I got confronted with a flashing folder icon, with a question mark in it. I consulted the Mac help desk and they told me to reinstall Mac OS X, but this is where it gets odd; it seems like the hard drive has been uninstalled. The Startup utility doesn't find it either, it says I can only boot from the OS X disc or a network drive (I'm not sure what that is?)

What do I do now? Is there anyway of trying to find the hard drive? Oh and for the record, it's the high-end black Macbook, Intel...

[Satcomer]

You hard drive may have went south for good. Follow these steps to see if the hard drive went:

1. Get you original OS X install disk and boot with that disk (boot with the DVD by holding down the 'option' key and selecting the DVD for the boot up disk.

2. Once the first install screen comes up don't go through the install process. Select Disk Utility and run the Repair processes in Disk Utility to see if can repair the startup drive.

3. If Disk Utility can not repair the disk consider getting a third party disk program DiskWarrior. This is a great program.

4) If nothing an fix the drive, replace it because it is easy. This video shows just how easy it is.

Also if the Macbook is under AppleCare call them and explain everything that has happen. They will replace that drive if it is under warranty.

Good Luck.