virtual monitors wont display only the primary

I am unable to connect a second monitor to my laptop win8.1   64bit

I purchased a HDMI TO VGA ADAPTER to connect my ACER monitor whos end cord was a 15 pin male to my laptop. The acer displays "Cable not Connected"

in win8.1 I select the Microsoft key + P  that displays the Project flyout and I select EXTEND

I then go to control panel and select DISPLAY I select "Change display settings" and the LT monitor shows  a large number one in the icon. The dropdown display shows 1. Mobile PC Display
I then select DETECT  to search for the second monitor and at this point it should detect the second monitor but nothing happens ????????????

This function worked with my old laptop. But not with DELL.

Realy need help.