Keyboard and Mouse HID not working

I recently got a new computer desk, so I disconnected and reconnected everything like I've done a hundred times before, and when everything was reconnected, the mouse (Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000) wouldn't work. I suppose that I had plugged it into a different USB port or whatnot and it wouldn't find the drivers for it. After several attempts of un and re installing the mouse software, using both the CD version and the most recent off Microsoft's website, I searched the internet where I got some advice to remove both of the HID drivers from the device manager, under the assumption that they would come back refreshed with good drivers when the computer recognised the mouse and keyboard again. (bad advice...) So, I did that and restarted the computer (I am using an old PS/2 mouse at this point) and my keyboard stopped working. There are no HID devices listed in device manager.

I have a Dimension 8400 running XP with all the updates with the 3.6ghz dual core Intel processor and integrated USB ports. I have tried the Desktop Software Tool download and the keyboard tool isn't even for the right keyboard (I have the SK-8135 - the upgrade keyboard with the volume control and app buttons, the keyboard tool is for the old style with the three buttons at the top). I downloaded a different keyboard tool from dell also. I am a rather experienced computer user, but don't deal with hardware too much. It's just a keyboard and mouse... windows shouldn't make it this hard.

I am not opposed to getting a new mouse if I have to, however I rather like the feel the layout and the enlarged space bar of the dell keyboard and will go way out of my way to keep it. I don't care if the extra keys at the top of the keyboard work - they never worked with Winamp anyway.

edit: found out that there are no HID deviced listed in the device manager.

Message Edited by TheSkilletHead on 12-28-2007 03:03 PM