When you have problems with your video display,it can be something as simple as having brightness turned down to a bad controller on motherboard.If you have not done,first learn to identify components of video display system.When you look inside any open computer,see if you can locate Video Card.Is your video card mounted in an adapter slot or is it integrated onto motherboard.If card is motherboard integrated,locate jumpers that will allow card to be disabled should you need to install another card.
The Monitor is second component in video display and it must be compatible with your video card.Be sure maximumn resolution of your video card and monitor are same.Its even better to your a higher resolution display on your monitor.
Go to http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/photos.html to see a video card in an adapter slot and one that is motherboard mounted. Follow these procedures to correct any type of video display malfunction.
NOTHING ON THE MONITOR
As we first mentioned,chack brightness and contrast buttons on monitor to be sure they are not turned down. Yea,we know.This sounds a little silly to think this could be overlokked,but believe me,it really does.
And while we're talking about simple checks,be sure monitor is receiving power.If power indicator light is out,remove power cable and look for any bent or broken pins or connectors.
Try to reboot computer one or two times to be sure system did not just lock up.If nothing happens,replace cable with a known good cable to prove that wall outlet or surge protector has power.
If monitor has power but nothing is on screen, check data cable going into rear of computer. Be sure cable is secure.If it is,Turn power off to system unit,remove cable and look for broken, loose,or bent pins.
Finally,if you're blessed enough to have two computers, exchange monitor with a good monitor to see if it works.Replace old monitor if new monitor works. If new monitor fail as well,remove system cover to inspect Video Card.
MONITOR WORKS BUT NO DISPLAY
When Monitor is known to be good but its screen is still blank,the Video Card is most likely culprit.First inspect card to be sure it is fullly seated in its slot if it is adapter slot mounted.