Laptop to tv cable

Hello,
I hav been using a cable from my laptop to HD TV for ages, watching all sorts etc. However now it does not work? Usually when I plug the cable in the laptop screen goes black and you direct yourself around by looking at the tv. Now my laptop makes a bleep noise to acknowledge the cable but does not transfer to the tv.

Any ideas anyone? It wasn't an expensive cable, could the reason be this i wonder? thanks