Monitor displays black

I'm trying to get this old 14 inch to work. While unplugged from the video card, the screen lights up that dim greyish color. But as soon as I plug it into the video card or motherboard it goes totally black. I looked at the plug and found out that theres one pin that when touched against any other pins or the metal edge of the plug, makes the monitor go black, as if it was shut off. Its only pin #5 that does this. The other seem to have no effect when touched against other pins. Also, pins 4 and 9 aren't there but it looks like they never were.. just empty holes. I'm wondering if I should try removing pin 5. Anyone with knowledge on monitor cables know what that pins purpose is? And if its safe to remove it? Also any other approaches at trying to fix this please. Help appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: I've found some info about the pin layout for 15 pin plugs, and they say that the pin is either not used or used as a ground. Would removing a ground connection be harmful?<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by f0rbez on 07/20/04 05:49 AM.</EM></FONT></P>