Attaching seperate monitor issues..(Picture Included)

[jsf8x]

I'm trying to attach my monitor to my MacBook (late '08 aluminum macbook).. right now, all that show's up is the original snowleapord background even though thats not my background. Nothing else shows up.. however, the only reaction I will get is when I go to expose on my macbook.. the outter parts of the screen on the monitor darken. any help?

Picture taken by my Droid is included

 

[mgartner0622]

Yes, I know exactly what is happening.

You're in extended display mode, and you want mirror mode.
Go into the display properties and fix this. First press "Gather Windows" and Two prefrences windows should open, one for the laptop's screen, and the other will control the external monitor.
Change settings accordingly.