Typical pat answer from a help desk. Surely the "simplest" thing for them to do. Not for the user. And I agree, it is the "Big Hammer approach" (Dammit, Jim, it's a computer not a Studebaker! ;P) Anyway, you never mentioned what OS your laptop was running.
This is a general software issue, normally not hardware.
Most laptop touchpad drivers are provided by Synaptics. You can normally go into your Mouse Properties under Control Panel to adjust the x & y calibration. This appears to beout of adjustment.
Synaptics and is also listed in the program list under Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel. Remove the driver software and then reinstall it. Also, you might want to remove the device entirely from the Device Manager under System Properties. Also accessible from the Control Panel.
If the previous two don't work, try this. While I believe this to be a software issue, removing the device entirely will cause Windows to re-detect it on next boot. Be aware that once you do this you will have to use keyboard shortcuts. Reboot your computer then let Windows autodetect the device. In most cases, I've seen that Windows will have default drivers for the touch pad and install them by default. This should work fine but if you prefer to use the Synaptics software, I recommend having a copy handy to install at auto-detection.
BIOS won't help, to be honest and really doesn't sound like virus activity, although it COULD be, however doubtful. Just to besafe, make sure you have the latest virus def files installed. Are you using Norton Antivirus? I'd recommend that. Driver updates are always a good idea but as you've observed don't always fix problems. Essentially, all an update does is upgrade. Any problems are either overlooked or made worse.
My first 3 solutions should resolve your issue.
Hope this helps!
