Windows XP log on screen buttons won't work

I have a Gateway Solo 2550 laptop using Windows XP home edition. After booting up to the Windows XP log on/welcome screen, my button choices are to select a User (there is only one listed) ("Windows: To begin, click your user name") or turn the Computer Off. I had no problems with this until yesterday. Now, while my mouse cursor moves around, I am unable to select any buttons on the Windows XP log on/welcome screen. I cannot move past that page and can only shut down by unplugging the laptop. I am able to boot in the safe mode. I did try the repair feature on the Windows XP home edition, but that only gives me access to c:\windows. Help! What can I do to fix this.

 

I tried unplugging the computer, but the problem still is there.

 

These are just workarounds not trying to figure out the problem with the mouse--that can be done later. Or if you get into your user you could try a recent restore point to see if it is a software problem.

Try using the up down arrow keys to select the user and then hit enter.

Or in safe mode you could follow these instructions to get rid of the login page if you don't care about having a password for your user. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=57079