Sounds like you're using it on an incompatible surface.
(Also what make is it ? I personally wouldn't use one that wasn't Logitech, and wireless (a matter of personal choice - I hate mice with cords, in fact I'm going right off mice altogether just at the moment for one reason or another!) - would recommend the Logitech MX-700 over any other mouse, including all their later models including the laser ones)
I had a friend who used his on a printed mouse mat (was a print of the bubbles in a pint of beer actually) and it did exactly what you described. Every time I used it I just moved the mat aside and used the wood desk surface instead and it was much better. He used to complain about it and used his mouse mat despite me telling him repeatedly that the mat was the problem. In the end I solved his problem buy buying him a new mouse mat
With optical mice you're better off with a fairly dark surface that doesn't reflect too much light around. I use an old dark brown leather place mat (for food) and it's fine. Perhaps try it on a large piece of a cardboard box.
There are other possible reasons for it being a pain but that's the first thing to suspect.
Bookmarks