Apple Mouse (Bluetooth) Problem

Question

I'm having problems with the tracking on my Bluetooth Apple Mouse and I was wondering if Apple has a manual on this mouse. There is at least one switch on there that I have no idea what it's about.
I've fiddled with it and gotten the tracking to work again. Other times it doesn't work. I have no idea what that switch is about.
Also, I've taken one of the batteries out and then back in again. Sometimes that works. Sometimes it doesn't.
However, with a haphazard working of both of these things, and repeating them several times over again -- at some point I'll get it to working and tracking once again. I can't see any pattern to what is causing it to start working again -- other than just doing these things over and over again -- until it does.
Perhaps someone has the answers to the manual and/or how to get this tracking problem fixed.
Best regards...
iBook G4 1.42 GHz & iMac G4 Flat Panel 800 MHz   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

Answer 1

Unfortunately, this could be any number of things.
One likely suspect is the batteries. If you're using
rechargeables, try good new regular ones for a while.
The rechargeables are 1.2 volts, regular AAs are
1.5. Sometimes that makes a difference.
I've thought of using those, but I don't. What I do -- though -- is take out one battery when I'm not using it. I don't use the mouse but every few days (or so), and maybe for up to a week or so. So, that way I figure I keep the battery in good shape.
Even brand new ones sometimes don't work, or don't
work right. Try cleaning the contacts in the mouse,
and the top and bottom of the batteries with alcohol,
acetone (carefully), or the like. Try other new
batteries. I've had brand-new ones test fine with a
volt meter, but just not work. Never did figure out
why. Others in the same pack were fine.
Well, I do carry a set of brand new ones, so that I'll be ready to replace them. And I've tried the new ones before, to see if that was the problem. I still encounter this kind of "tracking" problem. Now, mind you the "clicking" always works okay. So, I'm getting a Bluetooth connection always. However, it's only the tracking (and not the "clicking") that is not working. It's always that way without any variation (if there is any kind of problem at all).
Interference is another common problem. Airport,
cordless phones, etc., can interfere. Try turning
off everything you can find for a while. If you see
improvement, turn one at a time back on.
Now, I'll be (usually) in public places when I do use the mouse (like Starbucks or McDonalds), so that might be difficult to isolate any others that are using Bluetooth. However, I do use another Bluetooth device (but not at the same time). It's a Bluetooth GPS receiver. It always works (although it's the only bluetooth connected at the time).
If all else fails, I recommend a double Scotch.
Won't help, but you may not care!
Well..., it's irritating, but I can usually get it to working in about three to five minutes by taking the battery in and out and/or flipping that switch back and forth. It's never been any longer than about five minutes for me to get it to fully working again. But, since I've seen several others here mentioning this problem, it seems to me that it's some kind of hardware or software problem -- especially since the Bluetooth connection is made and is functioning with the mouse clicks (always without fail).
Good luck.
Thanks -- but say..., do you know what that "switch" is -- underneath the battery cover?
Best Regards...