If your mouse or keyboard is unresponsive, it can be quite frustrating, as it prevents you from being able to use your computer properly. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve this issue.
1. Check the USB Connection – Check that the USB connection between the mouse or keyboard and the computer is secure. Make sure that the socket and cable are properly plugged in to each other and that neither of them have become loose. If the connection is not secure, this can cause the device to become unresponsive and disconnect randomly. You may even want to try using a different USB port if you have one.
2. Re-Install the Drivers – If the USB connection is secure, but the mouse or keyboard still isn’t responding, then you may need to re-install the drivers that control the device. To do this, first open your ‘Device Manager’ by right-clicking on the ‘My Computer’ icon and selecting ‘Properties’. Then click on the ‘Hardware’ tab and select ‘Device Manager’. This will show a list of all of the devices connected to your computer. Right-click on the device in question (your mouse or keyboard) and select ‘Uninstall’. Once this is done, reboot your computer and then re-install the device driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Reset the Device – If the device driver has been re-installed but your mouse or keyboard is still unresponsive, then you may need to reset the device itself. Depending on the make and model of the device, this could be done in a variety of ways. For example, some mice and keyboards have a small reset switch or button located on the underside of the device which can be used to reset it. Alternatively, you may need to remove the batteries (if your device uses them) and leave them out for approximately 10 minutes before re-inserting them and turning the device back on.
4. Check Other Hardware – In some cases, your mouse or keyboard may become unresponsive due to a conflict with another hardware device. To check whether this is the case, you may want to try unplugging any other hardware components that are connected to your computer (such as webcams, printers, etc.) and then re-try using the mouse/keyboard. If it starts working again, then you know that the conflict is with one of the other devices.
5. Reset Your Computer – If none of the above methods have worked, then it may be necessary to reset your computer. This can be done by pressing the power button for at least 8 seconds, or by unplugging the power cord from the wall and leaving it off for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in again. After the computer has been reset, then you should be able to try using the mouse and keyboard again.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your mouse and/or keyboard working again. If none of these solutions solves the problem, then you may need to consider getting a new device.