Why is my mouse not being detected?

Question

Why is my mouse not being detected? i have tried two different types, one normal mouse, and a usb mouse, and neither work. Please help me!

Answer

This question was answered on April 20, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

A driver is a program that controls a device in this case, the mouse. A driver acts like a translator between the device and programs that uses the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver knows. Most programs access devices by using generic commands. The driver, therefore, accepts the commands from a program and then translates them into specialized commands for the device.

1. First you want to make sure that the mouse you purchase is compatible with your operating systems whether it is Windows or Mac.

Usually you can determine this when you purchase the mouse. The box containing the mouse usually has its compatibility information at the bottom or side of the box.

You can also check the HCL (hardware compatibility list) at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog which contains all kinds of compatibility information.

2. When you determine the compatibility, you should check the mouse driver and its settings.

• On the bottom left hand side of your screen select the Start button, or press Crtl O and type control panel to open Control Panel option, then press the tab button or arrow keys to select Printers and Other Hardware, and then select Mouse.

• Choose the settings you want on the Buttons, Pointers, Pointer Options, Wheel, and Hardware tabs.

Some mouse and keyboard devices require special software (other than a driver) to run them. If you do not install this software, the device might not work at all, or some of its features might not work correctly.

If your device came with software, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it.

If you have just upgraded to a new version of Windows, you might need an updated version of the software also. Contact the manufacturer of your device, or visit the manufacturer's Web site, to find out whether a software update is available.

Author

Posted by Johanna of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on April 20, 2005