Not knowing how important it is to you to have a wireless mouse, I will just offer that having a spare wired mouse in the closet is just as valuable as having a second browser installed. It won't cost you much (probably less than $10), it would be on hand when needed, it would help in determining if the wireless mouse is really the problem, it doesn't need a battery...need I say more? I've never really understood the allure of a wireless-anything-connected-to-a-computer. The technology simply isn't yet reliable enough for me. YMMV.

Like many things the lifespan of a computer mouse depends on many things -- quality, how much it's used, etc. Although I would typically expect more than two years.

In terms of troubleshooting, change the batteries is the first step. Even moving the position of the receiver can have a huge effect too. But sometimes they just go bad and need to be replaced.

As mentioned, it's a good idea to have a inexpensive wired mouse in the closet for emergencies. While I haven't looked it wouldn't surprise me if they sold mice at 24 hour pharmacies, having one in the closet saves on Sunday night headaches. Cheap wired mice are under $10 and better ones under $20. Good insurance.

Another thought...any kids in the house? I've often wondered if little Johnny picked up that nice wireless mouse and banged it off of the coffee table while throwing it at little Mary...then put it back thinking mom/dad would never know. Wouldn't take much of that to cause a premature failure...and it's harder to do with a wired mouse.

maybe the cat bit it

A bit of a smarty answer here, nothing in the world smells as bad as a dead mouse, hope that is not the case here?

Thanks for your help.It was the mouse.Brought new one and things took off with a bang.Thanks again.

The MicroSoft ball mice that I've owned lasted until the mechanical parts wore out. That would be the ball roller bearings. Of course, it got cleaned when necessary. It would pick up fibers and hair and make a mess.

All the mechanical problems went away when I switched to an optical, corded mouse. Again, the MicroSoft version. Fits my hand really well and cuts fatigue. These are long lasting. Wear is confined to the scroll wheel and the place where my finger contacts the left 'button'. I have worn through the finish on the left button, and the mouse is still plugging along just fine.

This is my second optical mouse. My first optical got heavy use and I finally wore out the switch, but it took several years to do that.