2020 MacBook Air M1 and 2008 Samsung SA 300 Monitor

Hi,

I'm trying to mirror my 2020 MacBook Air with a 2008 Samsung SA 300 monitor via a USB C to VGA adapter.

I've followed Apple's suggested settings on the MacBook:

About this Mac > Displays >Arrangement and then put a check make in "mirror displays". 

But no luck. 

I get an onscreen message on the Samsung monitor that says, "Check Signal Cable" and underneath that, it says, "Digital". In the monitor's settings, I'm limited to only switching between "PC and "AV". I've selected both to no result, and every other option in settings is grayed out.

However, the MacBook display settings does recognize that it is connected to the Samsung monitor. 

I'm not particularly tech savvy, but I'm guessing this issue is due to one of two possibilities:

1. The monitor is just too **** old and I need to stop being so cheap and go out and buy a new one.

2. The USB C to VGA adapter is not functioning properly.

Any other ideas?

I'm new to Mac computers (just got this one about 2 months ago) I'd be most appreciative for any advice or suggestions. And of course will provide any additional information as needed.

Thanks.