problem with Aspire V5-531 crystal eye webcam working intermittently

McLean1

Have owned Aspire V5-531 for 5+ years.  The crystal cam worked great for a year or so, but has since given much grief.  I believe there is a short-circuit on the top right edge of the monitor.  If I pinch the two halves of the monitor "lid" together, sometimes I can get the crystal eye cam to work but often not.  I was told by a tech guy (works for large hospital as their IT guy) that this is common- and there is no fix.  

 

Is this true?

 

The only option I can see possible is to buy an external cam and use that.  How terrible I cannot Skype with family and friends with this great laptop!  

 

At this point, I can no longer use the webcam.  It is toast.  

 

Please advise.

 

Thanks.

McLean