If your mouse and keyboard are not working, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming issue. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to diagnose and fix the problem.
The first step is to make sure that both the mouse and keyboard are firmly plugged into their respective ports. Many keyboards and mice use USB plugs, but some may also use other plugs such as PS/2 or Bluetooth. If the plugs are loose or appear to be damaged, try swapping them out for a new set of plugs. Also, make sure the plugs are firmly secured in their ports.
If the problem persists, check the drivers and make sure they are up to date. Drivers are crucial software components that tell your computer how to communicate with the mouse and keyboard. Outdated drivers can cause problems with the input devices. To update the drivers, navigate to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver package. Then follow the instructions on the site to install the new drivers.
Another potential source of the problem could be hardware conflicts with other input devices. For example, if you have multiple mice or keyboards connected to the same computer, they may be competing for resources like memory or CPU time, leading to reduced performance or none at all. To fix this issue, disconnect any unused input devices from the PC and then restart the system.
If the mouse and keyboard still aren’t working, it is possible that the ports themselves are damaged or malfunctioning. This can happen if too much power is sent to the ports or if the ports were exposed to static electricity. In this case, a USB hub or PCI card may be needed to provide additional ports or to replace the damaged ports.
In some cases, the issue could be caused by interference from nearby objects or other electrical devices. Try moving the mouse and keyboard away from other devices and see if that fixes the problem.
Finally, if none of the previous methods have worked, it could be a software issue. The most common cause would be a virus or malware infection. To check for infections, run a scan using an up-to-date antivirus program. If infections are detected, eliminate them using the software and then reboot the computer.
Hopefully, one of these solutions has fixed your mouse and keyboard issues. If not, you may need to consult with a professional technician or replace the devices.