If your mouse isn’t working, there are several potential causes and solutions to the issue.
First, it is important to determine whether the issue is with the mouse or something else. Try plugging the mouse into a different USB port and see if the problem persists. If it does, then the issue is likely with the mouse. Similarly, if you’re using a wireless mouse, try changing the batteries and/or using a different set of batteries to see if that makes a difference.
If neither of these remedies work, then the first step is to check the driver for the mouse. Drivers are the software that tells the computer how to communicate with the hardware, so an outdated or corrupted driver can lead to mouse issues. To check the driver, go to the Device Manager in Windows and under the ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ section, look for your mouse. Right-click on it and select ‘Update Driver’. You can also try uninstalling the driver and then reinstalling it by right-clicking the mouse and selecting ‘Uninstall’.
If none of the above steps work, then it could be a hardware issue. If the mouse has a cord, try replacing the cord. This can sometimes be enough to fix a faulty connection. If the mouse is wireless, there could be an issue with the receiver. If you have an extra receiver, switch it out with the original one and see if that resolves the issue.
Finally, if none of the above steps have fixed the issue, it is possible that the mouse itself has malfunctioned or broken. In this case, you will need to purchase a new one. It’s a good idea to check the warranty on the mouse to make sure it is still covered and, if so, contact the manufacturer to arrange for a replacement.
Ultimately, addressing a non-working mouse can be a bit of trial and error as well as troubleshooting. Check to make sure the issue is with the mouse itself, check and update the driver, try replacing any cords or receivers, and finally buy a new mouse if need be. With this process, you should be able to figure out what is causing your mouse to stop working and how to fix it.