macbook pro to hdtv problems

I have a macbook pro with os x and version 10.5.8 and I am trying to connect to a 32" vizio hdtv via hdmi. I have a mini dvi to hdmi adapter(ebay cord from china) and have the hdmi cord plugged into hdmi port 2. I cannot get anything to work. The macbook is not recognizing the tv and the tv only says no signal. I've tried every combination of turning of the tv and the connecting turning both off and then connecting but still have had no luck. Any help would be appreciated.

As far as I'm aware and according to Mactracker, the older MacBook Pro models used a dual link DVI output not mini DVI. Are you sure you have a MacBook Pro and not a MacBook? Later model MacBook Pro machines use a mini display port output and finally the new machines have the Thunderbolt output which is backwards compatible with the MDP.