HP Laptop screen won't come back on after lid is closed! Computer noob in need of HELP!

[TJ21]

First of all, I need to point out I'm a complete amateur as far as computers are concerned (So go easy with the complex terminology)
My knowledge extends only as far as how to use one semi-proficiently.

Here's the problem:

When I close the lid and the computer goes to sleep, the screen will not turn back on upon opening the lid. (You can hear the computer itself come alive but the screen stays black)
The screen then comes back on only if I force a reboot.
However, if I put the computer to sleep without closing the lid it turns back on when reactivated (most of the time - sometimes not)
Can anyone give me an indication of what the problem is and a possible solution in terms a computer layman can understand??
I've read through a lot of threads and all I see is gibberish that I rarely understand and wouldn't have the first clue how to do.

Many thanks,
Tom

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Change what closing the lid does - that's the quickest fix:

Control Panel > Power Options
In the left panel, click "Choose what closing the lid does"
Against "When I close the lid", choose "Do Nothing"
Click 'OK'

Now when you close the lid, the screen will go off but laptop stays awake.