Thanks for the reply.

The sound is not the same as a new device sound. I just rooted around my spare computer parts for another IR mouse and found 2, but they were both with the green serial (I think) round connectors. When I pulled out the USB mouse that I am currently using, the sound was slightly different. I plugged in one of the round connector mice, but it didn't work. I may need to power down the computer and switch mice before it will recognize the other one. Also, the sound does not accompany the mouse freezing behavior every time the mouse freezes. The mouse freezes often, but only for up to a second--still noticeable and annoying. Nothing else seems to freeze, or skip, when this happens--not videos, or music.
If The mice I found won't work, I will try one from my son's computer or buy a new one and try it.
Thanks again for the response. I'll keep everyone posted one way or the other.

paco