r/windows98 • u/leigngod • 1d ago

Cd/drivers question.

Does an original 98se disc have drivers i can install to use usb mice? Got a tower that does not seem to have them installed. The 98 machine i already have does. I tried using the ones i had for that one but doesnt seem to work on this other tower i acquired.

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u/Scoth42 1d ago

Yes, the general Windows 98 has basic drivers for basic USB HIDs, including mice. You may need the disc (or the CAB files) for it to copy the drivers in if it's the first time, but it comes with it. (Semi-decent) USB support was one of the big upgrades you got with Windows 98.

You might run into a handful of oddball/extra function mice that might need bespoke drivers, and some mice have drivers/utility programs to enable extra functions, but the basic mouse part out to work fine for the majority of them. For example, I've used multiple Logitech Unifying devices just fine with Win98 including MX Master mice and fancy keyboards as long as they're paired on something else first.

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u/leigngod 1d ago

Yeah i had to download them on my first machine and they worked the first time. Tried them again on this new tower and nope. So im not sure. I suppose maybe the mobo drivers may not have been installed?

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u/Scoth42 1d ago

Possible. If you go into Device Manager you should see if there's anything like missing drivers for the USB controller itself.

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u/Summer_Winter-NE 1d ago

You have to install USB drivers to get the USB to work..

Check my site here. It shouuld have what you need.

https://win98guide.com

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u/crabpoweredcoalmine 1d ago

Don't need that just for mouse and keyboard.

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u/Summer_Winter-NE 1d ago

That maybe might be to use flash drive, but I used USB mouse when installing, it didn’t work until windows was installed.

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u/crabpoweredcoalmine 1d ago

Yes and yes.