I get nothing when connected to the HDMI port... using audio cables, red and white I can get sound from the system but no picture, even have tried s-video with no sound or picture... how can I get sound and picture from a dvd. And why does the HDMI port not work?

HDMI connects to HDMI with a cable that has similar ends to a USB.

Like this: http://www.theurbanshogun.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/linx-hdmi-cable-1-2m-661314.jpg