Windows XP: Getting a black screen when I start up my laptop.?

So I was trying to hook up my laptop to my flatscreen with one of those VGA cables. Couldn't figure out how to do it. Someone said to make sure all my drivers are up to date. So I downloaded some of the latest drivers for XP. then I restarted my laptop, and at first it booted up like normal, then I noticed right before the windows screen is supposed to pop up, it just goes black. NOTHING on the screen. I know windows booted kinda normally cuz I can hear the little chime it does every time it opens. So it's like everything is running but nothing is on the screen. How do I fix this? I took it to the Geek squad and they said they can fix it with the recovery disk, but it would cost $200, and all my info saved in there would be erased. So I'm wondering if there's anyway I can fix this myself? Maybe someway get to keep all my info? Please help.