My very old computer (not this one or I couldn't write the post !) is showing an error message saying no mouse connected, even though there is. It's not the mouse itself as I've tried one that works. The comp is running Windows 98SE, and has a special port for the mouse, which is connected via a USB converter plug. It worked intermittently for a few days e.g. if you re-booted it would work for a while then stop, but now it has packed up completely. Any help or advice really appreciated.

What is the make/model of the mouse?

What is the make/model of the machine?

has a special port for the mouse, which is connected via a USB converter plug.

Why do you define this as a "special port"?

What type of connection is this "special port"? PS2, USB?

Which type of converter?
(The pic on the left is a PS2 to USB, the pic on the right is a USB to PS2.)

The special port is a PS2 and I called it a special port as I think it's only for the mouse, and is not like a normal USB port. The adaptor is like the one on the right of your pic, USB to PS2. The mouse is an Intellimouse (used with the comp for many years) but have also tried an ordinary Dell (which works on another comp) in the port with the adaptor, and also tried both straight into a USB slot but no luck. The Intellimouse stopped working gradually, it would be ok after start up, and pack up after a while, re-boot, ok for a while but now doesn't work at all. The machine is a Compaq Prosignia Desktop 300. Thanks v much for any help.

Are you sure of the exact model number?
Search results - HP Business Support Center

Are you using the mouse with the USB to PS2 adapter solely because it has the PS2 Mouse Port?

Have you tried USB mouse drivers? (If connecting straight to a USB port.) This driver works with a wide range of USB mouse makes/models; mw9791enu.exe 9.79 software download - Windows - VersionTracker

Are you having trouble with any other USB devices on this machine?

This MSKB article may be worth reviewing, even if your USB seems to be working without error; How to Enable Universal Serial Bus Support
Ref; the Supported Universal Serial Bus Host Controllers for Windows 98

Do you possess a Win98SE CD?

Hi, thanks for your help. I'm using the Mouse in the PS2 port because it was always in that port (comp came from a relative) but it won't work in the USB port either. I will try and download the driver, and yes I do have a 98 SE disc. What baffles me is that it used to work fine for years in that port but now doesnt work at all (but is fine on other computers). Going away for couple of days now so will try this when I get back.

Your (USB, or mouse) drivers may have been corrupted. It may be worth a reinstall of the drivers. Or you could Uninstall these devices through Device Manager and restart the machine. The HAL elements should re-find the devices and reinstall any drivers and resources.

Does it pause to tell you about the mouse, and not let you go any further?? is, so (as long as the keybaord works) you can go into the bios and tell it not to pause if there is no mouse. This way you can boot into windows, where possibly it will recognise the device. I had that problem on an XP machine with a USB keybaord that came with it, it would intermittently not work on boot up, but when windows started, it worked... just a thought..

Thanks for all your help. Much appreciated, as always. Have downloaded the driver suggested by Dan and so far so good, fingers crossed.

Good to hear. That's the driver I use when a mouse gets tempermental.

I'll leave this thread open for a while in case it acts up again.

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