How do I get my USB mouse to work?

[richardglobal]

I've just got an optical USB mouse to take over from the original ball-type PS2 one but the system doesn't recognise it. It just mentioned various Windows OSs on the package but I thought a mouse is a mouse - was I hopelessly naive? Tried it on various USB ports, same inaction. There was no response when I plugged it in. Do I need a driver for it? Many thanks for any help.

Using Mint11

[bigj231]

See if it shows up in the output of lsusb. If it doesn't then you're out of luck. You should also check if it works in the LiveCD/DVD/USB.

[richardglobal]

Thanks for the reply, bigj231. It doesn't show up. I'll know better next time!

[Orbmiser]

Yep it's a miss-mash tossup as my Logitech 510 usb wireless mouse ($20-$25)works out of the box on all my linux OS'es.
.

[bigj231]

I've had no problems with any of my mice on Linux. I guess I've been lucky. The list includes:
- Microsoft wired mouse (the ancient white one from the early days of optical mice.)
- Various OEM mice
- Saitek (now MadCatz) R.A.T. mice (I wouldn't recommend one unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket. They were $15 or $20 cheaper when I bought mine, and it was nice for the price, but not a steal)
- I recall using a Razer something or other. (My neighbor had one a few years ago. Didn't fit my hand so I got the R.A.T. 5)
- All the logitech's I've used have worked (build quality is a different story).
I currently use a Logitech M525 on my laptop, and it's so comfortable I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a desktop. It fits my large hands extremely well for a mobile mouse. If you get a Logitech, spring for the 500 series. They are worth the extra $5-$10 over the 300 series.