commodore 64 issue

[pookninja]

i was given a commodore 64,with the original ac plug in,no rf switch,the computer/keyboard,and a floppy disk drive.when i plug in any rf switch on the rf port,i get a very messed up picture,so i just used the video out,i have an old set of genesis 1 pin plugs,and it fit the commodore,so i used them to hook it up,so when i put a cartridge in the c64,all i get is a black screen.im very unfamilar with the c64,so what im asking is,do you think i have it hooked up right?or is the 2 cartridges i have just not working?im wondering if there is something wrong with the system,or the cartridges?

[Dr. Morbis]

when i plug in any rf switch on the rf port,i get a very messed up picture
I know this is common sense, but did you make sure to use a manual RF switch? Using an automatic (NES syle) one won't work. Better yet, plug the RF cord straight into the coaxial jack with an F-connector if you are connecting the C64 to a TV.