PS/2 mouse not always recognized???

Some days when I boot XP Home the mouse is not recognized. I may have to turn it off at the power strip/surge protecter and let it sit for 30 seconds then start it again two or three times before the mouse is detected. There is no error message and it comes up fine but the mouse will not move on the screen.

I am going to bed now but hopefully that is all you need to help me. I seem to always get here late at night, 2am.