My camera lens will not auto-focus?

I have a 18-55 kit lens mounted on a Nikon D70. When I take a look inside of the lens without dissembling it seems as if my aperture rings are out of place. It may or may not be the aperture ring but it's something that seems like it inside of the lens. I was wondering if that is inflicting with the ability for it to auto-focus because it can't sense the depth of field of anything. Any help will be appreciated.

If you can visibly see something out of place or wrong in the lens, you need to send it for repair. I don't know if it's worth repairing the 18-55. Might be less to buy a used replacement on adorama or b&h
Lens repairs tend to be a bit spendy.