One more thing. I would break out your TV manual and determine EXACTLY what signals are accepted by which input jack. I have a hunch that the problem I outlined above may still have a role in the troubles you are having. Since I run X box off the S video, I can't speak of the settings needed for component. For instance: what signal is the setup menu signal from the X box without a game inserted? If it is 480i and going over component cables, then at least on MY TV there is only ONE input jack that will support it. Don't know because I don't use component (yet).

I do know that original X box games determine the native setting of it's output. That is, games produced in 720P will output that. If your TV is not 720P capable then I am not sure how the TV responds to that since you indicate your TV is not capable of 720P.