Mouse not being detected or working in Windows

Solution

A mouse may not be detected in Windows because of any of the below possibilities.

Computer frozen

Make sure the computer is not frozen by pressing the num lock key on the keyboard. When pressing the num lock key the num lock indicator LED on your keyboard should turn on and off. If this indicator does not change, your computer is frozen, and all hardware on the computer including the mouse will not work. Reboot the computer to resolve this issue.

• Windows freezes or stops responding frequently.

Mouse conflict

If any new hardware has been recently installed in the computer, remove that hardware before following the below troubleshooting steps to help verify the new hardware is not causing the issue.

Not connected properly

PS/2 mouse

If you are using a PS/2 mouse, verify that it is connected into the PS/2 mouse port and not the PS/2 keyboard port located on the back of the computer. If the mouse has worked properly in the past, turn off the computer and disconnect and reconnect the mouse.

Note: A PS/2 mouse should not be disconnected and reconnected while the computer is still turned on.

Tip: If the computer keyboard is working you can shutdown Windows properly by using the keyboard. Press the Windows key on the keyboard, and then use the arrow keys to move to the shut down option on the start menu.

USB mouse

If you are using a USB mouse disconnect and reconnect the mouse cable to another USB port. If the mouse still does not work after it has been reconnected and is connected to aUSB hub, connect the mouse to a USB port on the back of the computer.

Wireless mouse

1. Make sure it is turned on and that there is a power indicator.  The power switch for a mouse is often found on the bottom of the mouse.
2. Make sure the wireless receiver is within range and is not blocked by another object.
3. Replace batteries

Mouse software or driver conflict

Boot into Windows Safe Mode. If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is likely a driver conflict or other software conflict. To resolve this conflict follow the below steps.

1. Open Windows Device Manager.
2. Expand the mouse (mice) option in Device Manager by clicking the '+' symbol.
3. Remove all mice listed by highlighting each device and pressing the delete key on the keyboard.

If the mouse still does not work in Normal Windows, follow your operating system basic troubleshooting steps for your version of Windows.

Bad Mouse

If the above steps do not solve the problem, try another mouse. If the another mouse works, try the mouse that is not working with another computer.

• If multiple mice do not work, the computer port is bad. If your using PS/2 or USB port on the back of the computer, the motherboard is bad and would need to be replaced.
• If the mouse does not work with more than one computer, the mouse is bad and should be replaced.