Can't use mouse

[aliszcz 0]

Have a 3 year old compaq laptop running XP. Out of nowhere, the mouse stopped working (I see the arrow on screen but can't move it). Plugging in an external mouse doesn't work either. Keyboard seems to work OK.

 

When I boot up, I do get a black screen message (before windows starts) that says keyboard error and gives me a choice of continuing to boot up or go into setup. I see nothing in setup that might be helpful.

 

Any ideas or am I stuck using keyboard shortcuts for the rest of the computer's life?

 

Thanks,

Angela (brand new poster)

[Wilhelmus 1]

Quote:

...
Keyboard seems to work OK.
...
keyboard error

"Keyboard not found, press F1 to continue"

Probably dumb question:
If the external mouse was PS/2, did you plug it in, when the laptop was off?

This is most likely hardware issue. Have the laptop served.