dual monitor problem

I'm running a laptop with XP installed, and have an NEC projector, but
have a problem with the projector output when using it as a secondary
display.

I've ensured I've got the basics right, like ensuring that power is
going to the projector and that all cables are connected - I know
there is data going to the projector because the desktop is being
displayed, but data from a program will not be - ie, we just want to
see information displayed from one specific prgoram and not view the
entire desktop via the projector (we can do that without any trouble).
The projector will miror the information from the laptop screen
without any problem, but will not display the wanted information using
Function+F4.

When selecting Montior 1 in Display Properties (using identify and
attach to set the laptop monitor as primary dispay), and then
selecting Monitor 2 (using identify and attach to set the projector as
secondary display), the laptop displays 1 every time, but the
projector always fails to to display 2.

When choosing properties from the drop down menu, there is only one
monitor enabled, the other three are all grayed out, and this is
obviously an integrated part of the problem, because two have to be
enabled to use both the laptop monitor and the projector (to the best
of my understanding). I am unable to enable a second display in this
window and am unsure why.

The desktop is spread over both the laptop and projector, but when
attempting to view the output on the projector via a proram, I'm
unable to view the output from a specific program. When using enable
extended desktop, the checkbox fails to take effect, and remains
unchecked after attempting to check and apply the setting.

Is it possible that the computer may have a bug or virus, because of
the enable extended desktop problem and the '2' failing to appear for
the projector in the "blue box"..? Would it be worthwile updating BIOS
and video drivers for the video card and projector?

Any help, information or links would be greatly appreciated. Does
anyone have any idea how to solve this problem?

Many thanks

Sam

PS Have applied Windows Updates to no avail.