DVD Drive opens automatically when I start up the pc and won't recognize disc

Mary, there is no quick easy solution which will not invlolve your getting your hands "dirty" a bit. Try uninstalling the drive in your computers device manager first of all to see if after you do this and reboot your computer it is still opening, if it is it is an issue with the drive iteself NOT with windows. If the drive has malfunctioned in this manner replacing it is your best alternative but you can TRY this...

In the front of your drive should ( should ) be a little hole near the eject button under the cd tray, it is just right for putting a paper clip which has been straightened oout into it. Try pushing a paper clip into it untill you feel it hit something. What you feel there is an emergency eject button, with pressure on this button try to "cycle" the drive by hitting the eject button and holding in pressure on the paper clip. Hopefully you will reset drives tray to reverse its order. Good Luck

Run msconfig.
I had the same problem. I ran msconfig by following the directions and the windows system figured itself out.
Find your children less expensive paper books or a portable dvd unit. They should not be near the computer its too expensive to fix, replace, etc.

thank you christalnet.you're a life saver.i did what you said.and after ejecting it for like 3 times and closed it again it didn't open by itself.thank you so much.