Why are some of my icons missing when I use my TV as a monitor?

Aspect ratio? Does it look like part of the display screen goes off the TV screen’s viewing area?

Yes, but does that explain why it will not display a program when I open it up on my laptop?

It might be that it is using the TV as a second desktop. You want to make sure that the computer is set to mirror the display instead of spanning.

@johnpowell and how do I do that?

For most laptops, it is the same Function-key combination that enables the use of a second monitor. On my Toshiba, it;s Fn-F5; different makes/models may use different keys, but it’s often marked on the keyboard.

It depends on the OS. I assume you use Windows (XP, Vista, 7)?

Right clicking in the desktop should give you some display options. Without knowing the details you are on your own.