Fixing SD card reader?

I just made an offer on a 2000xl that has an SD card reader that once worked but stopped working one day out of the blue. Everything else is fine, but the reader needs to be fixed. The seller has made no attempt at fixing it. What would you guys try first? Is there any way to reboot the firmware? Or would it likely involve replacing the drive?

Take the bottom panel off and check that the cables to the card reader are connected and seated correctly.