How to connect old macbook to tv?!?!? HELP!?

I have the regular white macbook (NOT pro). It doesn't have the small dvi port think like the new ones have. I have an adapter connected with an s-video cord connected to my tv. There's also the option of using a yellow video cord.. I know that i might have to have everything plugged in THEN turn on my computer, but when i do that, it just takes forever to load up and just gets stuck on the dark blue screen before the desktop shows up. I don't know what to do to make this damn thing work! I've been trying literally for 2 hours!!