Strip on right side of screen

Question

My computer is an Acer Aspire 5000 series. I have a problem with the screen. There is a vertical strip going along the right side of the screen that is about 1" wide and 1" from the edge of the screen. When I bought the computer, it was working fine. After a while though, it came up with this screen and the screen had this problem on and off for a while until finally it stayed on even through i rebooted the system a couple of times. I was wondering if it would be a problem with the screen itself or if it would be a problem with the software. The strip has been on the computer continuously for about 3 years. I am confident it is not a problem with screen problems such as an accidental drop or anything like that. Thank you for your time.