HELP- DVD player shuts off computer when I open it!

Hello, I have a 2 year old Sony VAIO laptop. It has functioned without issue. Recently I opened the DVD player to pop in a DVD and it shut down my computer. I had to reset the computer to turn it on. When I closed the DVD with a new disc in it, it shut off again. The DVD player WILL play a DVD in it, but will not burn a CD readable. What is going on? What do I need to fix? Please help! Thank you! Bluenile