Optical mice work by reflecting light. It is hard to reflect light off of dark surfaces. Every optical manual I have read advises you that they work best on a white surface. They don't work well on clear surfaces for the same reason. I have a special white plastic board for my Logitech wireless optical mice, or any optical mice. That said, I also bought one of those MS Wireless USB laptop mice. I really like it, and I have no problem using it on the back edge, next to the keyboard, of my Thinkpad, which is as black a surface as laptops come. Rode The NOSPIN Group http://www.freepctech.com/rode/ >Just now, I tried my simulated wood desk top and a black mouse pad. The >optical mouse is unusable on both. This is true with all my MS Optical >Mice. Used on the white paper, they operate perfectly. Am I doing >something wrong? >Has anyone else noticed this, know why it happens, or have a different fix? >Thanks, Bob Lendrim The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our newest website: http://freepctech.com