Can't get LCD monitor to work with laptop

I'm trying to get a new LCD monitor to display from my laptop. The monitor works fine with my PC but when I try it with my laptop it just goes to power saving mode.

The monitor did work with the laptop for a few days. It also very briefly worked this morning and then it went back to power saving mode again.

I'm using Win XP and using the display properties window to try and activate the monitor. The laptop is about 4-5 years old. Very frustrating!!

look for a key on one of the F (function keys) that has a picture of a screen. you may need to press this along with another key. for dell for example it would be the FN key plus F8. this toggles between laptop monitor, external monitor and both laptop/external monitor. use this also if you hae a OHP attached.

also try switching on the laptop with the lid closed and the external monitor attached.

Yes Bigjoe, I've tried the FN and F8 keys but no joy. I'll try switching on with the lid closed but I'm not too hopeful Thanks....

do the FN and F8 keys slowly. sometimes there is a time delay.