[Sussex] Kernel re-compile?

[Gavin Stevens]

Hi all,
After lots of reading HOWTOs, help from this fine group & others like 
debianhelp.org, followed by editing various files, it finally came to light 
that my CD-R wouldn't "R" because of a missing module (sr_mod). One good 
thing to come of this was that someone at debianhelp made a new HOWTO for 
CD-R/RW as a result of my queries.

I now need to get module sr_mod, so that I can use my CD-R (upgraded at the 
weekend to a DVDROM/CD-R/RW combo I got from work for £30 inc. VAT) for its 
intended purpose.

Re-compiling the kernel has been the only suggested means of adding this 
module. Now, I'm willing to take the plunge & give it a go, but (faint 
sound of chicken noises) if there's an easier way, then I'm all ears.

If re-compiling is the only way, then any helpful hints are most welcome.

I have never compiled anything (apart from a small Java programme that 
displayed a short sentence), so please be gentle ;-)

TIA for any help,

Gavin.