Murphy's 1st law of Mechanics: If it doesn't fit, force it... If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway.

We've all heard the expression about a "Square peg in a round hole". Apparently it's equally true for a round peg in a square (or in this case rectangular) hole.

Probably not a law, but maybe a good idea anyway: Unplug the AC adaptor from the wall outlet when it's not being used and then plug it back in only when it's properly connected to the laptop.

I'd certainly try what G.F. suggested in reply #3 above. I, too, doubt that the drive is damaged. Try a different outlet, and a different adaptor. Or, try what jb suggested in #5.

Hindsight is 20-20

I certainly wouldn't be as patient in the same situation as you were. I don't know if your son gets an allowance, but if he doesn't, perhaps you should consider giving him one, just so you can take the money back to pay for his "mistake".

Good luck.

Jim.