USB mouse and keyboard not working

[jmeyer]

Hi,

I have a dell desktop computer, about four years old, that I just recently started experiencing a problem with.  I few weeks back I bought a new keyboard because the keys on the original keyboard were sticking.  I bought a wireless keyboard and mouse that work by "connecting" to a thing that plugs into a USB port on my computer.  A few days back I experienced a bit of trouble, where the computer would not recognize the mouse or the keyboard.  I restarted the computer a few times, and pressed the "connect" button on the mouse and keyboard and got it to work just fine. 

Last night, I experienced the same problem, except this time I can not get the computer to recognize the mouse or keyboard.  I have tried using all of the USB ports on my computer.  I have tried restarting and also completely unplugging the computer from the powersource and then restarting.  Finally, I have tried using the original mouse and keyboard that came with the computer (that still work, but apparently just not with my computer right now).

You might also need to know that my computer is password protected, so I can not get to the start menu or anything, because I can't use my keyboard to enter in the password.

Any and all help would be much appreciated. 

Thank you!

[Quantos]

Are the batteries in the keyboard and mouse rechargeable?
If they aren't have you tried new ones?

[jmeyer]

The batteries are not rechargeable, but I have replaced the batteries in the mouse and the keyboard (even though they are only a few weeks old) and new batteries do not make a difference. 

I have also tested it out with a different keyboard and mouse, a set that is not wireless that connects right into the computer using a USB port, and the same issue holds true - they are not recognized by the computer.

[Quantos]

Will your keyboard at least get you into the BIOS?

[jmeyer]

Nope.

[Mulreay]

Can you borrow a keyboard/mouse that does not connect by USB?

[Karnac]

Any problems showing in Device Manager...USB ports,keyboard, mouse?.....what about drivers for the new hardware...

[Mulreay]

Any problems showing in Device Manager...USB ports,keyboard, mouse?.....what about drivers for the new hardware...

She can't use her keyboard or mouse 

[jmeyer]

It's she...

And, I do not have access to a mouse or keyboard that connects in a way other than the USB ports. 

[Mulreay]

It's she...

Sorry changed it 

[jmeyer]

No worries. 

Any suggestions on how to get my computer to recognize the mouse and keyboard?

[Quantos]

I'm still thinking.  Anybody else?

[Mulreay]

It sounds to me that your USB drivers are messed up. Unless you can get a keyboard and mouse that go into the ports (non USB) at the back of your computer I don't see anyway around it. Someone else may have a better idea if you hang on.  

[jmeyer]

If the USB drivers are mixed up, is that something that can be fixed on my own?  I could buy a mouse and keyboard that don't use USB ports to plug in. 

[Quantos]

What port did your old keyboard and mouse use?  Were they little round connectors?