By using transfer-matrix method, the transmission properties of a one-dimensional photonic quantum-well structure containing defect layers with negative refractive index are studied. It is found when the number of defects is even, there are two transmission peaks in the photonic quantum well, and when the number is odd, only one transmission peak appears in the center frequency. The Q factor of the transmission peak in the center frequency advances when defect layers increase. Due to the strong localization of electromagnetic wave at defect regions, the transmission of confined states are greatly dependent on the refractive index of the defects. The refractive index of the defects is changed slightly by controlling light intensity, then the transmission of confined states is changed obviously. High-efficiency optical switches can be realized by using this property.