usb mouse

which seems a likely thing for a retractable mouse, or the port it plugs into is bad.

If a different mouse will work, the current mouse is bad.

Since the mice seem to go bad every year or so, I'd think maybe you should try a non-retractable mouse.

USB Power Reset 1.01:
http://www.topshareware.com/USB-Power-Reset-download-66213.htm

It might just do the trick of resetting your usb port power.

Hope all goes well.

Hamsters don't have a tail, so if it doesn't exist it can't malfunction.

Buy a Wireless Mouse.

*You'll still have to plug/unplug the receiver but you're doing that every time with the retractable mouse anyway.

Edit for *

That the Wires in the lead break from the constant movement in use and retracting the leads on some models.

The wires are very small and thin and over time the constant bending will eventually break them. If you are constantly having this type of failure you need to try a different type of Mouse either one with thicker leads or a Wireless type.

I have found that the wires break mainly at the USB Plug or the Mouse end where the wires enter the mouse housing and this is caused by a tight bend at this point when the user tries to get that little but more movement rather than pickup the mouse and move it back up to place more slack in the lead. You can not stretch the lead as it's eventually going to break. ;)

Col