Certain lappys have a better record than others.
In answer to your first question, it's usually reasonably easy to get to the ribbon connector; a case of keeping your head, recording what screw goes where and maybe taking a few digital photos to remind yourself!
You *should* be able to download a repair manual, which will give you the order in which to dismantle.
Now then, it might be good news. In one case, where I had the symptoms you describe, the ribbon cable wasn't damaged at all; it had just begun to pull out of the connector. Gently push in, and reassemble. If the ribbon is 'going', then they're out there between a tenner and £20.
Good luck