What to Do when Your Wireless Mouse Stops Working
Wireless mice are extremely convenient and ensure a hassle-free experience as you use your computer or laptop. The only 'tripping' experience with your wireless mouse would be the truly wire-free experience that it provides. But like most good things in this world, it too comes with its share of problems.
Known Issues
The pointer does not move the way you want, instead it moves erratically and unpredictably.
When you move the mouse, the pointer does not move at all.
There is absolutely no response when you click a button on the mouse.
The 'Control Panel' contains some tabs in the 'Mouse Items' option, which do not show up.
The scroll button on your mouse does not work.
Windows is unable to detect the presence of the mouse, even if you disconnect and reconnect it.
Not having a working mouse can greatly hamper the usability of the computer, and there's little if anything that you can do without it. Here are few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem, before you wait for long hours trying to place a complaint with the manufacturer!
Possible Solutions
While this might seem like stating the obvious, most problems arise because of depleted batteries. More often than not, getting new batteries for your mouse should solve the problem.
Try using the mouse on another computer, to make sure that it is in fact the mouse that has a problem. If it works on the other computer, then you could try plugging the USB receiver of the mouse into another port, preferably a port at the back of the machine (if you are using a PC), as it has more bandwidth.
Always attach the USB receiver directly to the computer, and not through a USB hub or a KVM switch. This will ensure better connectivity.
Any interference between the mouse and its receiver may affect the smooth functioning of the mouse. Always make sure that no electronic devices like cell phones, routers, cordless phones, etc. are kept close to the computer or laptop, obstructing the line of sight of the mouse and the receiver.
The problem could, at times, have to do with a conflicting software installed on the machine. You could try uninstalling the software last installed, just before the problem came up.
The mouse might also malfunction if its drivers are outdated. You could solve this by downloading the latest drivers for your mouse from the manufacturer's website. Always update the drivers for your device to make sure that it functions smoothly.
Although, most devices and operating systems support plug-in and play, you could try installing the drivers for your mouse manually, from the provided CD, or download the same from the manufacturer's website.
If all else fails, you could call customer care or a computer repair store, and seek assistance. You might want to gear yourself with a bucket of popcorn and keep the drinks close-by, going by the long queues that most customers are greeted with; the music doesn't make life any easier!
