Carla--
Two more suggestions.
I remember when I got my first Mac I was told to reset the Perimeter Ram (PRAM) when it acted oddly.
To do this, shut down your computer and immediately after you begin a restart hold down the Command, Option P, R keys. You can let it chime 3 or 4 times.
My only other suggestion is...recheck your cable. They do manage to come out.
Let me know if this works.
--Jerry