USB Mouse with Debian 2.2r6

[Matthew Reath, CCNA]

I have downloaded Debian GNU/Linux version 2.2r6 and installation went fine, but it doesn't seem to recognize my usb mouse so X won't startup.  Its the MS Optical Explorer mouse and lights up on power on but goes dark and never comes back on?    Does the kernel that ships with 2.2r6 recognize usb devices.  I am going to try compiling the 2.4.18 kernel and see if that works.     Thanks, Matthew Reath, CCNA Application Developer 105 Kent Street Cable Constructors, Inc. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 [EMAIL PROTECTED] --   For society, it's probably a good thing that engineers value function over appearance.  For example, you wouldn't want engineers to build nuclear power plants that only _look_ like they would keep all the radiation inside.     (Scott Adams - The Dilbert principle)