Mouse doesn't work

Zombiemambo

Or, more accurately, no mouse has worked - I've tried two. Rebooted the PC multiple times, but no matter what I do, the mouse cursor doesn't move. I get power to it just fine, but the cursor stays in the middle of the screen. Running Windows XP, SP2 or 3. It worked okay until last night, I think there might have been a power outage but I can't be sure. Any advice?

Bartholamue

I found this via a user on Tom's Hardware-

'I had this problem too. I think I accidentally did something after installing new hardware or software, and my BIOS changed. When this happened I was not able to use my mouse at all. Go into your BIOS (would explain, but all bioses are different..) and change the mouse to USB, then your computer will actually recognize it when it boots. If that doesn't work try a different port.'

I assume you have a USB mouse, yes?

Zombiemambo

Yeah, I do. I wish I knew my BIOS without dragging a whole ton of crap out to find the instructions... :? Oh well, if I have to do it, I will. Thanks for the help.

Artereis

I assume it's a USB mouse. Have you tried all the other USB ports?

Zombiemambo

Yes.

DirtyDirtyVagrant

I'm...pretty sure you can't change your bios.

Does the mouse show up in your device manager? Are the USB controllers working properly? Do you remember installing or updating anything? Drivers specifically?

Zombiemambo

I honestly don't know, right now I'm operating everything by keyboard, so it's kind of frustrating to do these things. The USB ports have been acting funny lately (not recognizing certain devices in certain ports), but until last night my mouse worked. Windows did say that a new device was installed (it was an iPod that had been connected plenty of times before), but the mouse was working afterward.

Zombiemambo

Alright, so it looks like all USB devices are getting power, but nothing is being recognized by Windows. I tried a system restore but no luck. Is my motherboard fucked?

DirtyDirtyVagrant

That's kind of a strong conclusion to jump to.

Have you moved or opened/cleaned your computer lately? Do any other devices work on the same port?

Zombiemambo

DirtyDirtyVagrant wrote: »

That's kind of a strong conclusion to jump to.

Have you moved or opened/cleaned your computer lately? Do any other devices work on the same port?

No, it's not a strong conclusion to come to, because I've tried other USB devices on it. Everything gets power, but nothing actually operates on any port.