Q: just got a new dell flat monitor and simply connected it, then turned the computer on, and the screen just reads: cannot display this video mode optimum resolution 1280x1024 60hz
A: Your computer resolution isn't set right. Plug up your old monitor, and set the resolution to that (1280x1024) and then try and use the new one. Or, there should be a button on the monitor like reset to defaults, or something similar.