Cannot type/not responding correctly to mouse

OK, you peeps are gonna have to bear with me, not exactly all knowing when it comes to computers.
I am running windows XP home ed, v2002, with SP2. Have AMD Duron processor 908MHz, with 256MB RAM.
Running Norton AV v2003, recently upgraded, Zone Alarm v5.5, and adaware SE personal v1.05.
Also, not sure if makes a difference but i mostly use Opera as Browser.
Over last week or so couldn't access CD/DVD\CD-RW drives, USB etc. with a little help from my brother, problem 'solved'(??) by uninstaling ahead nero, Cyberlink power DVD, and futzing a bit with norton.
Also had problem with serious lack of memory so deleted a shed load of files.
Deleted folder called 'Errorguard' - research showed this to be a bit nasty, but was assured would probably be ok as long as it didn't have internet acces when i deleted it.
That was all last night. this morning, it boots up ok, everything that should load does. double-clicking on any icon will bring up the properties window, rather than open the application. cannot type in anything including internet - activates various, seemingly random windows when i try.
Virus scan is clear. Adaware picked a small bunch of info-type cookies, but quarantining them made no difference to this problem.
I would be really gratefull if anyone has any idea's or could help with this.
thanks, Sarah.

 

A couple things to start with:
-Make sure your keyboard/mouse are securely connected.
-Reboot to safe mode (F8 key during initial boot process), see if the problem still exists in safe mode or not.

 

Hi, and thankyou for replying.
Ive tried to reboot in safe mode, but can't as i need to use the arrow keys to make that selection. Some keys do work - ie Crtl for multiple selections.
both mouse and keyboard properly attatched.
Next?

Sarah.

 

a fun won .....well not to sound stupid but did you check and make sure your keyboard is set to standerd 101/102 keys ...and your mouse setting are left to right ........just a dumb thought ...both setting are in control panel ....mouse... keyboard...i have to ask ....i mean if you hit the right mouse button the the app open ......?