Laptop to TV connection using Vista

I could use some help. I'm trying to connect my laptop to my TV so I can view movies, but am not getting any results. I'm connecting my laptop via an S-video to regular video output cable. I've gotten my mobility center to say that there is a display connected, and even got the box to pop up once asking if I wanted to duplicate the display, but when I changed the input on my TV over to the correct input it had no display up and I haven't been able to get that box back up. I have also tried the FN+F5 (which is the external display function) and that doesn't seem to do anything. What am I missing?

Hopefully, somewhere in this I have some info that might be useful for you. I have a similar problem. Maybe someone can help us both.

I heard of people solving external display problems by simply insuring that the TV is attached to the computer and turned on before turning on the computer.

I'm using a 15pin cable to the VGA connection on the TV . . . I don't know if that's the same as "an S-video to regular video output cable" that you're using. By right clicking on the desktop, Properties, Display Settings I can "extend my desktop" to "monitor#2". That works fine (with either a projector or TV) for a PowerPoint application that I run requiring 2 separate (& different) displays. When I use the TV, I use the "PC" button on my TV remote. It also has YPbPr1, HDMI, TV, YPbPr2, Video, S-Video & DVI buttons, which I've never used (don't know what they do).

My problem is that I can't duplicate monitor#1 (laptop) on monitor#2 (Projector or TV). Fn + f4 toggles between monitor #1 & #2. It is shown on either the laptop display or the TV/Projector with the other blank. I can't get both the same.