ze2200 usb mouse problem

Hi guys! I was hoping I might be able to find some advice here, perhaps something better than HP's "support". I received this laptop last week, installed my software, (with the HP OS/software on the laptop) and attached a new Microsoft USB mouse. The USB mouse detects, becomes usable, then just seconds later, disconnects. Lather, rinse, repeat. It detects, works, disconnects, over and over again. I tried my desktop mouse, which I've never had a problem with, and it does the same thing. I took it off, then installed some software off a memory key. No problem with the USB key. It stayed connected for the whole 1/2 hour long installation. Put the new mouse back on, back to connect disconnect.

Thinking I'd be better served with a clean install, I formatted the hard drive and installed XP pro instead of home, thus getting rid of the pre-installed crap. Installed my software packages, and connected my mouse. Same thing, which makes me unable to use a regular mouse.

That is disappointing, since I prefer to be comfortable on the road. I have to spend several hours a day at the laptop when I am in the field, and am disappointed that I would not be able to use a regular mouse. Additionally, the kind of software that I use is much more efficient with a mouse that has several buttons.

I called HP...but they suggested I reinstall the mouse drivers...Yeah, that helped.
Any advice?
Cheers,
Maria

 

Are the USB ports powered? Maybe it is not getting enough juice. I know on some laptops only one of the USB ports are powered. I'd update USB drivers and Microsoft Mouse software. Good Luck.

 

Go to Device Manager | Universal Serial Bus controllers and do Properties on each USB Root Hub. Look at the Power tab to find out which controller has the mouse plugged into it. Once you find it, go to the Power Management tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power". There are a few devices that react badly to power management. That's my best guess.