Laptop to tv does not work

Hello, I have a Toshiba tv and a dell inspiron laptop. I'm using s video as this tv doesn't have vga outputs, however I cannot get the pic. When I hook up the cables and turn everything on the tv stays blank. I right click on desktop and click on graphic properties and click on television my comp screen turns black and then comes back on without switching to tv screen. Do I need to upgrade my comp? I try changing the to video output one or two on the tv but nothing. I tried going to display and then monitor but there is no option for tv there. Help!!!!!!