How run a cd rom disc in my laptop

Hello,
how do run a cd rom disc in my laptop and also how do I run a pc game disc in my laptop as well? also when I try to play a dvd in my laptop it wont read it automatically. can I change this so it can? and how do I burn a cd rom disc from my laptop?.........im in nursing school and need the disc to study and I have a dell inspiron 6400 with cd/dvd burning capabilities........thanks to anyone that can help........