MBP not connecting to external VGA display

Hello everyone,
I have an issue with my MBP (13", Mid 2009) and my external monitor (Samsung SyncMaster 2343NW).
I'm connecting the display using a simple Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter.
The problem is that it is not a consistent issue. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
I set up the external monitor as the main one (when it is connected), but since the very beginning I did this, I had problems setting the screen resolution. Sometimes it recognised the optimal resolution and used it, but sometimes it did not, it used something like 1024x768 and I can't set the appropriate resolution in the Preferences Panel since it is not available.
Some of the latest times I tried to connect the display I tried to wake up my Mac with the lid closed (using a usb keyboard to wake it up) to force it to try and connect to the display. But now even this "trick" does not do anything (the Mac just wakes up and lightens its own display, even if the lid is closed).
Also, when I connect the VGA cable to my adapter, the monitor turns from its "no signal" message to a black screen, while when I connect the adapter to my MacBook, it does not react in any way (does not show the typical "light blue screen" that usually says *I'm connecting to some external display, wait a second*)
I also have another Mini DisplayPort to HDMI that I use to connect to other peripherals, and it works fine..
Also, the monitor works fine on another PC.
So.. I can't understand what's going on!
Whay would you suggest?

Hi,
HDMI to VGA cable won't work, you need a converter to convert from digital to analog. The following device is one example:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AC1638
Regards.
BH
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