Hello
    I have experience similiar problem with the USB mouse.But in your
question I don't know what the X environment you use? KDE or Gnome? and
when the "mouse freezing" problem happens?
   The linux version I use is Centos 4.4. And I meet the problem when
the K Desktop screensaver stops.I think it is associated with the KDE
screensaver program.
     For me,I can avoid this by one of the two following methods:
    1.Using the Gnome Desktop Environment.
    2.With KDE,avoid using KDE default screensaver,replace it with the
"xscreensver".
-- 
Zhenhua Lin
Candidate for PhD
College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography
Ocean University of China
238 Songling Road
Qingdao, CHINA 266100