I just installed mandrake linux on my computer and i'm having trouble using my mouse in mandrake linux. i get a cursor in the upper left corner, but it won't follow the mouse movement. when i move the mouse around other items become hilighted and i can click on them but i can't tell where i am. any advise would be helpfull.

What type of mouse do you have? Is it usb, ps/2 or serial? Have you checked your /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 to make sure that the correct protocol and device were used? Have you tried the mouse in the console using gpm ?