Applications do not close with new kernel

[Roger]

<snip>
I would suggest you actually try another desktop (KDE or XFCE) to 
confirm that it does actually affect all desktops not just gnome. As 
suggested by others, please look in your xorg and the messages logs. 
Also you may want to check your batteries in your mouse. gene
</snip>

Mouse batteries are new.
Other desktops are fine.
Gnome in Fedora 14 and 15 worked fine.
The problem occurred only with the latest kernel update.
Maybe a change in Xorg, I'll check.
Have changed usb ports to no effect.

Thanks for the tip, I had not thought of checking logs, will do.
Roger