error code

I have started getting an error message every time I try to do anything in excel.  When I open excel the error message comes up.  

cannot use object linking and embedding

I have done nothing different.  About 2 weeks ago I opened Excel and this started showing up.  I am not totally excel literate, so please, if you have a way to make this go away, give it to me in plain english.  Thank you.  

Debra Morgan