Your computer mouse may stop working because of a hardware or software failure or because it's lost its connection to your computer.

If you can see the mouse pointer move on-screen but not in all directions, or if the pointer moves but clicking doesn't achieve any results, then the fault is likely to be with the mouse itself which may need replacing.

If there is no response on-screen to moving the mouse, then you should first check the connecting cable which links your mouse to the computer, or the mouse's batteries (if it's a wireless mouse). Modern mice often glow when they're used. If yours usually glows but doesn't now, there is a hardware fault of some sort.

Check the cable by unplugging the mouse from your computer and plugging it back in again, or replacing the batteries if it's wireless. For wireless mice, there might also be a problem with the wireless transmitter in the mouse. You can reset this by pushing the small reset button normally found underneath. However, if the connection is checked and found to be working, then the fault is almost certainly lies within the computer itself and this could be a software or hardware problem.

If your keyboard has stopped functioning at the same time as your mouse then it is likely that your computer has crashed or ceased working and you should follow the procedure outlined in FAQ 2.

If the keyboard is working, use it to shut down the computer: Press the Windows key (or CTRL+ESC) to open the Start menu, from which you can shut down the PC.

Alternatively, ALT+F4 will shut down the open applications one by one with the final one being a shutdown of Windows. If Windows is stuck in an application then use CTRL+ALT+DEL to open a small window with a button that will let you shut down the PC.

After shutting down the computer, unplug it from the mains power, and leave it alone for 5 minutes. Then put the mains plug back and switch it on again, to see if the mouse starts working.

If this fails then you may need to replace your mouse. Please call our helpdesk or contact your onsite computer or IT support technician for further help.