I connected my thinkpad laptop to my TV using an HDMI cable but I can't get the sound to come through my surround sound speakers - If I can't do that at least tell me how to use my TV speakers?

make sure your are connecting the 3.5 mm M2M or M2A cable in the input.If that doesn't work then 1 of 2 things. 1.)you might need to buy new cables or 2.) the audio terminal is out in your home theater and you need to send it back if still in warranty or replace it. AND the answer to the second part..you cannot do that.