monitor flashing problem

hello, first time posting. i normally dont need to post as i can usually find a google solution, but i am absolutely lost with this one.

i have a samsung laptop, asus vh202t-p, windows 7 32bit 7600, nvidia 8400m g. previously i used the monitor without problems on xp, then i left my dorm during winter break and i installed 7 during that time. i come back and i cannot use the monitor anymore.

when i connect and try to use extended view, the monitor will constantly flash on/off, sometimes theres a box with "adjusting settings" message, sometimes just the wallpaper and the resolution is off. the power light stays blue during this, and not orange like when it is idle without a connection. it works fine with my ps3 though. latest nvidia driver 195.62. device manager says generic non-pnp. asus doesnt provide any monitor drivers.

so far i have tried: using osd menu to change display, nvidia control panel to change, laptop function key to change, changing refresh rates, safe mode with video same results. maybe theres more but i cant remember now.

i have no other monitor to try, nor does any of my friends/roommates. the only other problem i could think of was the cable being damaged, but its not like i flailed it around and bashed it or anything.

please help?

oh and when i try duplicate display, the monior says no vga connected and goes idle..

sorry this is so long ago, ive been having some personal problems :/
so i actually got my hands on an older monitor that i used to have, but left behind at a friends place for a while. it is showing the same symptoms, and this monitor was perfectly fine before as well. i tried uninstalling generic non-pnp and waiting for windows to install it again, but made no difference. i havent tried a different computer yet, i will be asking my roommate if i can use her laptop tomorrow.