Laptop connections to LCD to show pictures

Hello,
I have an HDMI cable and tried to hook-up Dell laptop to Visio LCD TV which has a connection also. I want to show pictures on the TV from computer. Nothing worked - I tried all the buttons on remote that get you to the peripherals. The directions did call for a video cable as well, but no sound is involved. I really want to just be able to show pictures on the TV. Suggestions, please.