i can't see anything on the lens???

[rottler_07]

im using a sony videocam w/o a lcd monitor. problem is, i can't see anything on my
videocam whenever i put it in a record mord or play mode.but if i connect it on a tv
or pc, i can see images unlike when i look at the lens of the videocam, it seems like
its turned off when i already turned it on.

how will i figure out where's the problem? is there a way to fix it?

[richdvd]

did you take the lens cap off?

[rottler_07]

lens cap?according to the manual of digital video camera recorder im using the cap i remove is called "hood cap".i guess it's what you are saying,it might be the lens cap that you are referring.
yeah,the hood cap was removed.
what's the matter by the way?is it the cause?please tell me so... and how may i fix it... by the way i'm using a SONY DCR-VX700E.