Sadly, with your demonstrated skillset and the internet you have a much better chance of finding a solution than Microsoft's support organization.

I actually like most Microsoft mice I have tried, but I refuse to buy any that require me to install any extra software. Same for keyboards. Keep it simple, and the stuff works. Same's true for Logitech, too, though. Either it works when plugged into the USB port, or it goes back to the store. And yes, that may mean that some extra buttons and features don't work, but that's fine with me.