My Nikon D3000 is not working

I bought a Nikon D3000 in 2010 and about a month ago, every so often (and becoming worse by the day) The camera will not take a picture when the camera is in Auto Focus. It takes pictures great when it is in manual focus just not in auto. When I have it in auto is doesn't even focus, there's just a low clicking noise… I really don't want to have to send it away to be fixed because i'm afraid it will be expensive since the warrenty is expired. I also have to have it for photography class on august 31. Does anyone know what is wrong with the camera and how it can be fixed? I need to know really quick!

My guess is that it could be the motor in the lens.

Take your camera into a proper camera shop and try using a different lens.

This will tell you if the problem is with the camera or lens

The clicking is the sound of a stripped gear in the lenses focus motor drive train.

It needs to go to a repair shop:-(

Have you been turning the focus ring while the lens was in AF mode? Or restricting the movement of the focus ring with your hand? That is a sure way to strip the teeth off the plastic gears or maybe cause a split.