I don't know if this will help but......

 

 

I travel and teach school personnel  database software. I use whatever projector they provide. Here is a system that I use that has always worked:

 

Connect the projector to the notebook

Turn on the projector

Turn on the notebook

If you get a box with choices (which I have never seen using my Inspiron 1150)  get rid of it and get to your desktop.

 

Right click a blank space on the desktop.

 

Click on graphic Properties and next click on the phrase that has the word "clone" in it. This will not display unless there is a projector connected and powered on, so I can't tell you the exact wording.

 

Next click on "laptop to projector" or similar wording.

Wait 10 seconds.

 

Now the Fn+F8 key combination will work.

That key combo will work to switch between three different views.  BUT BEWARE there is about a 10 second pause each time you use that combo.