problems using external monitor with SR macbook

so i have a kvm switch that i use to bounce back and forth between macbook and pc. (i keep the macbook closed). so if i want to use the actual macbook screen, opening the macbook isnt enough, i have to open it, then select detect displays and its fine, i can unplug the kvm and take the macbook wherever i want and continue on. however, sometimes i switch back to the mac and theres no picture on the external monitor, and when i open the macbook there is nothing. i think its when the macbook goes to sleep. i try pressing keys on the keyboard and on the mac and nothing. i try the power button and nothing. i have to do a hard shut down (holding down the power button) and restart to use the mac again

am i doing something wrong or is this a problem for anyone else? thanks

 

yeah i do have mirroring set to on. and by clicked some buttons, i mean i tried all of them, spacebar included, on both sets of keyboards, external mouse and trackpad. literally nothing will bring a picture to either screen at that point. ive tried unplugging and replugging the kvm to see if it picks up the usb devices again, and it isnt happening.