You should see a function key (usually Fn + F8) on the top row of your keyboard where you can adjust the different video card output settings on the fly.

Otherwise, your video card helper application (nVidia or ATI, Dell uses both) should also have a wizard or multi-monitor console which is designed specifically for your setup, and you should be able to change it there. However over your icons on the right of the task bar and you should see one of these and double click on it to bring the video settings panel up.
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Please check the following before connecting your laptop to TV:
- In Windows XP, click Start - Control Panel - Appearance and Themes - Display.
- Click on the settings tab and press the Advanced button.
- Select the Displays tab then select TV. (this might be different for your graphic card).

Then, ensure the display settings is set to the lowest (e.g. 800 x 600). This is because some TVs might not support higher resolution.

Make sure you shut down the computer before connecting the S-Video cable to your TV and the Dell.

Turn on your computer and check if the TV is displaying the information from the laptop.

If it is still doesn't work, you might need to hold down the Fn key then press the F8 button. This combination is use to toggle between internal display, external display and both.

For further information, check the following link.
http://www.svideo.com/compaq1700.html

Please note, the information might be outdated but the troubleshooting steps are still applicable with the current environment.
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Do you have the Tv on input or PC function. I would mess around with the Inputs channels. Most tvs that have S Cable have multiple input channels and each has a different function.
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