trying get my labtop to work on tv?

There are several possible problems here. Most likely is that the leads you are using are fine, but you need a driver or something on your laptop.

Have you told Windows (if that's what you're using) that you want to display on the TV, as well/instead of your laptop screen? This is done in the display settings. Type Dual monitor support in the Windows help to find out how.

Some laptops won't support dual monitors, but I presume the presence of somewhere to put the lead in means yours can.

Have you checked the leads work? Either beg/borrow another set, or try them with another item.

E F Davey
March 2010