photos opening as a layer

Go to "File>Scripts>Script Events Manager" and check if you have selected the script "Open Document: Open As Layer.jsx" then deselect it. 

This question was never answered.

So here is the basics.

When you open an image that supports layers you will see a layer. When you open an image that does not support layers like a jpg, then it opens as a background layer. In either case it is always a photo and can be edited with all the tools available to  you.

Just remember if you want to keep any added layers you must save in a format that supports layers like tiff or psd.

Saving as a jpg will merge the layers and give it a white background any place that was transparent.

Another format that is commonly used is png, when supports transparency but does not support layers.

I hope this helps you or any other user wondering that is reading this.

Do you have the full version of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements?

Moving from Add-ons forum to Photoshop forum