Packard Bell mini cordless optical mouse

April2

I'm relying on the 'there are no stupid questions here' aspect of these forums because, I'm ashamed to say, this is the most ridiculous I've ever had to ask.

I got a new laptop for my birthday and someone else bought me a Packard Bell mini cordless optical mouse. Just what I wanted.

Unfortunately, I've failed at the first hurdle and, for someone who prides himself that he can normally program a stranger's VCR or TV even though the handbook is nowhere to be found, I feel such a fool.

OK, here goes.

The first thing you have to do is insert the rechargeable batteries in the mini-mouse. They are a pair of AAA batteries shrink-wrapped together - so they are obviously (wrong, see my 8:26PM post below) intended to remain attached to one another and not inserted separately (oh yes they are, dipstick).

The instructions (there’s no associated graphic) state, "Turn the mouse upside down and open the battery compartment. Carefully place the two AAA rechargeable batteries into the battery compartment and replace the cover."

There don’t appear to be any compartments so I unscrew the only visible screw on the underside of the mouse. The top of the mouse comes off easily and reveals that the electrics are attached to the base and a transparent container the shape of a pair of AAA batteries is firmly attached to the top – but it’s completely inaccessible as far as I can see. I know it's stupid. It's obviously a very simple task - but it's beaten me.

It’s brand new and I don’t want to break it so, after half an hour, I gave up.

Has anyone who has one of these mouses (or is the plural still mice?) succeeded? If so, please can you explain the secret to me.

Thanks.

Rikki

There should be a little slide button on the underneath. Release/slide this accross and the back part on the top of the mouse should slide off. all one movement.

April2

I didn't (and still can't) see any such slide button but your post got me thinking how that back section of the TOP had to come off to get the battery pack in - so just a bit more pressure than I was prepared to risk before - and bingo!

Many many thanks.

BTW, I was wrong about the battery pack - if I'd studied it closely instead of just getting very annoyed, I would have seen that the shrink-wrap covered both the positive terminals (Doh!).

I wasn't until I tried to fit the 'pack' after getting that back part of the top off that I realised there was a raised separator inside the mouse which prevented the batteries fitting (alongside each other but separately) until the shrink-wrap had been removed.

Rikki

I was just being technical.
I used the button on mine first time.
Second time I fogot. (about the button)
Now the button is broken and the top slides off easily.

April2

Rikki wrote:

I was just being technical.
I used the button on mine first time.
Second time I fogot. (about the button)
Now the button is broken and the top slides off easily.

Now you've got me worried. Why should there be a 'second time'?

Rikki

only to replace the batteries. Don't panic

April2

Serves me right I suppose but, having gone through all that nonsense, the darned thing doesn't work (well the light source - I assume a red LED - doesn't [the buttons and scroll wheel do]).

Back to PC World ................

Rikki

You have to get the computer to recognise the mouse.
On mine there is a small rubber button underneath I press and again on the receiver you would of connected to your computer ther is a button press them one after the other so they register . Mine flash quickly for a few seconds and then the arrow on the screen will move.
Give it a go.