My one ear is 'congested' and I don't know why...What do I do to stop it?

I woke up this morning, and realized that my ear felt congested. It feels like water in lodged somewhere near my eardrum and it won't drain. But, really strange thing is that it's painful...When I begin talking, I'll start hearing pops in that ear (especially when I lay down.) My real problem is that it won't go away. What do I do? I've tried peroxide, chewing gum, and Q-tips. Nothing has worked...Please help me...