This is the exact monitor I have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdd4dD8UQAw
Also I don't know how old it actually is.

No. You can likely find an old style CRT monitor for free at a recycling depot or very cheap at a computer store. I routinely pick up old CRT monitor from my customers who have replaced them with new flat screen ones. Also, the store I'm affiliated with has customers drop off old monitors. We then take them to the recycling depot for them.

-- Andy

Ok, but do you have any ideas of what's wrong with my monitor?

It should be set at a vertical refresh rate of 60HZ. This is what the default refresh rate is on your laptop screen. Replace the "old" Dell LCD monitor

But what's wrong with it?

We don't know and it doesn't matter as it's not worth repairing! If you want to replace it at no cost, go to a recycling deport or independent computer store and pick up an old CRT style monitor for nothing.

-- Andy

I guess i'll go buy another one. : ( Crt style isn't my style lol

i understand your annoyance at having to purchase a new monitor (or used one) I deal with these situations with my customers all the time. They beg if there's some way to fix up the broken device and save them the big cost of replacing it. In some situations you cannot fix the broken hardware so there is no choice. You then look for inexpensive alternatives such as user/refurbished replacements or even going to recycling depots and scavanging.

Unfortuantely, you don't fix broken monitors. The only part of a monitor you can fix may be a broken cable but any other part of the monitor is broken, it's far cheaper to just replace it. The cost of repair is prohibitive.

-- Andy

There is only a short warm up time for LCD monitors... After looking at your original post, "I used to click the button on and off until it finally stayed on" ...After this statement I can say that your Dell monitor is worn out, and the monitor is as old as the computer if it was shipped with the PC

Simple. Try another monitor on THAT computer, and try your monitor longer on another friend's compouter. Various changes can make for short term differences.

Also, try any older monitor... not an LCD... as that will test the computer's video graphics port
.
You have far outlived the life of the LCD screens sold six years ago... They all burn out like a light bulb sooner or later. The average life of the Dell LCD of six years ago, in our experience, is 19 months to three years.

The interesting fact that you can see the screen, but in a very darkened state indicates that the inverter or back light has failed or is failing. Unfortunately, there is no longer a part available, and you probably do not have the tools required to replace either the inverter or the back light.

Just about every second hand store, or White Elephant, or church bazaar, or Good Will, or Golden Goose, will have the older bulky used monitors for sale for $5 to $10... at least they do in our area... if you don't have a friend or next door neighbor who can loan you one.

Good luck.

Let us know how you finally worked it out.

Well I called dell, and he was stubborn, and kind of ignored my problem. He didn't tell me what was wrong. He kept trying to persuade me to buy a new one lol. I bought this monitor in 2003 along with my pc. So yeah it's 7 years old. So I can't replace that "light bulb" inside?

Woops I meant to say the inverter or back light, how do I replace that if possible?

You would have to replace the entire system of components... back light, inverter, and system board... practically more expensive than buying a new monitor... This is NOT a light bulb. Then there is the tech time, because it is clear you would not be able to order the parts or do the work.

aw, ok I guess i'm going to have to cough up 100$ for a monitor

EBay is a good place to look for a replacement monitor at a good price

So, how can I be certain that it's broken with no use

Sorry if this is a CRT monitor. I may have confused yours with another plea... which was an LCD fix... but the answer is really still the same... Six + year old monitors cannot be repaired easily or in a cost effective way.... Buy a used one at Good Will or a computer shop for five or ten smackoleans.

it happened to me once or twice... but the culprit was faulty RAM try removing your ram and put in a different one