hmm, you can get replacment nipples if it's worn out (/me waits for comments.. ), but if it's stuck completely it'll either need a repair or you'll need to use a mouse instead..

nope with or without the nipple replacement *snigger* it still wont work. not a happy bunny now

Do you know the laptop make/model?

It looks like you have to replace the keyboards to replace the trackpoint (I think that's the fancy name for the nipple ), good news is that depending on the type, they can be pretty cheap

You just need a semi-techie friend with a (oh lets just go for *all* the double entendres... ) nice set of tools

If its a toshiba laptop the nipple is integrated into the keyboard. Take a look on ebay for one as there are many different types. A keyboard for most tosh's will set you back £30 but they are dead easy to fit and you don't normally need more than a narrow flat blade screwdriver.

Most others are integrated into the keyboards anyway. Either that or buy a mouse/trackball and plug that in the back, depending if you use your laptop on the road.

it IS in fact a toshiba (satellite pro) good call but i've only had it like 3 months so im still a bit miffed it's playing up so early.

If you only had it for 3 months (and it was new or possibly even second hand) it must / might be under some form of warranty. Have you contacted your dealer with this problem?

it was brand new. I'm contacting them today as it only happened yesterday evening.
thanks guys i was kinda hoping it would be a problem that could be fixed by a techie friend but at least i know what to do now.