I am having issues with my Dell power adapater. Help!

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I am having issues with my Dell power adapter. My laptop detects the adapter, but it says that it is an unknown adapter (when it is definitely the same one I have always had), and I get a power-adapter error message when I boot up my laptop. It shows an icon that it is connected to AC power, but it does not show that it is recharging the battery or anything. The area where the connector (the part that connects to the back of the laptop) connects to the rest of the adapter is frayed, and it is exposing wires. I have Scotch taped wrapped all around the area now so that it won't touch anything. A few of the wires are broken. I do not have the money to replace the adapter right now, and am waiting for my next disability check to come in the mail in about a week. I only have $15 right now in my bank account, and I need that for food. Any ideas on how to fix this problem? This is kind of important, as I depend on my laptop for EVERYTHING! Help!