Unless you are getting digital signals from your cable company, here is the basic set up:
TV output red and white (left and right audio)-->Receiver input DVD/VCR player audio output --> Receiver input DVD VCR video output --> TV video input (yellow) Cable box --> TV cable input
You will not be getting any true surround sound coming from the TV unless your cable provider offers it. The only true surround will come from the DVD player if enabled.
This is just your basic set-up. There are other ways. If it does not work, let us know and will try it a different approach.