Problem solved.
Computeruler prompted the thought that the mouse might be the problem. The mouse that being used was not the mouse that was previous used. The computer (an old 350mhz) was configured with a PS2 Logitech mouse but connected a serial port with a Logitech provided transition connection.
I took the Logitech mouse off another computer and connected to the computer I was reinstalling Windows on. This did the trick.
It may be old and it may be slow by todays computer's but for the specific need that I have in mind, it is not obsolete.
When I started the reactivation of the old machine, all it would do when I pushed the on button was give out an endless beeping. But with some time, poking around inside the box, the use of SDRAM from my local computer shop and help from forum people at Computer Hope, I now have a working computer...........and I did not have to spend a single penny to do so. Great feeling of accomplishment