alps touchpad. works sometimes, sometimes not

compaq C700 notebook...

the touchpad works for a bit, then stops working (driver must not load, I don't see it with the other icons on the bottom right, it's there when its working). Ive reinstalled the driver. in fact, I've reinstalled everything from the emergency partition.... but still get this problem.

any idea how I can fix this and keep the touchpad working?

thanks for any help you can offer.

sorry for all the posts... having a few issues with this laptop that I can't seem to fix myself.

Hello. as you have reinstalled , is there a chance it is a hard ware issue ?

I suppose that could be possible. I started in safe mode once and it worked. then another time it didn't.

I've had the drivers control panel show up several times in mouse settings, then other times it's not there. even though the driver is showing up as still installed on the system. can't help but to wonder if it's a driver issue though and not the hardware.

the trackpad has never used so could it still be broke? bought this from my sister inlaw that's how I know. it sat on her desk for 5 years. she never left the house with it. so I know the system has been taken care of very well, never been dropped or damaged, ect.