My Mouse Has Gone Insane...

[Katallina]

I'm having a strange issue with my mouse.

It randomly starts acting like I have done something to make it so that when I go to change between applications I cannot tell it to "click" them. For instance, if I am using Chrome to surf the internet and want to click on MSN to answer an IM normally I would left click it and then click the window where the message is.

But clicking does nothing.

I restarted my computer and was still having the same problem. I hit down on my scroll wheel button and regained control of my mouse. Great. Just a minor isssue. Right?

Except it isn't. It continues to be possessed every so often and I need to do this again and again to regain control. It's annoying.

Does this seem like an issue with my computer, some crazy setting I don't realize I have hit, or like I might need a new mouse?

For now, at least, I know what to do with the problem when it happens. But I would rather not be stuck with it for eternity. :D

Thanks for your time. :)

[alleycat]

Have you cleaned the bottom of the mouse? Just to be sure it isn't a tracking issue.

Just a guess, but you might need a new mouse if the one you have is fairly old. Some of them seem to have a short life.

There are a number of mouse settings, but I doubt it's any of those causing the problem.

[BigWords]

Clean the mouse, then check your drivers. If that doesn't work, then it might be necessary to get a new mouse. They are considered disposable by a lot of people because they are so cheap, which is why you should aim for the higher priced ones - you really do get what you pay for.

[Tirjasdyn]

This may sound silly. Is it a wireless mouse.

Change the batteries.

[Susan Littlefield]

if you are having mouse troubles, I suggest a good cat, who can take care of it! :D

Others have given good advice.

[Medievalist]

Also; try shutting down the computer, disconnecting the mouse, cleaning it (and if it's Wireless/Bluetooth, checking the batteries) and inspect the cable for damage.