If you are using a PS/2 mouse, IRQ12 should be used. Can you check that?

Maybe try the old and the new version of cutemouse, and see which ones
detect the mouse. The older one uses the bios for ps2 access, the newer one
directly uses the ps2 protocoll.

Ok, tried v2.0a4 and v1.9 of cuteMouse -- still no go. Is it possible that both of my mice are just not compatible with cuteMouse?

They don't even detect the mouse? I've got to look it up, but think they use
the bios, so something is pretty wrong. Maybe check the connectors inside
the pc case if they're accessible.

I wired the connector according to the specs from the connector manufacturer and the motherboard manufacturer. As I said, I've also swapped motheboards, so I doubt I have two bad headers in a row.

I've also tested the wires on the motherboard to ps/2 connector for continuity - no problem there.

I've used 2 mice, a labtec optical mouse, and a generic ball mouse -- don't know the manufacturer, but it says "browser mouse" on the bottom. I'm wondering if the mouse protocols for these mice are just not compatible with cutemouse -- would i be better off using a name brand mouse from microsoft or logitech? That's the only thing i can think of at this point.

Are you sure the connector is still good? Sometimes you can test those by sticking pins or wires into the appropriate holes and using an ohmmeter to check if they're actually connected to the other end.

Otherwise, and I guess this is a long shot, but if it's not the motherboard and if it's not the mice, maybe your power supply isn't putting out enough juice?

GREAT IDEA, JORPHO!!! Turns out the connector wasn't broken, just wired incorrectly. I tested the contacts against the diagram I THOUGHT told me how to wire it, turns out the diagram was completely wrong! The only wire that was right was the 5v power wire, which is why the optical mouse light turned on. Once I re-wired it, it works fine, and cutemouse recognizes any mouse I plug in! Thanks for the help!!!!