Asus P5A-B -> COM-ports

I am unable to get the 2 COM-ports to work on this board for love or money.
I've been using the little Asus MIR/USB add-in card with its PS/2 jack for the mouse. Now that I need the serial ports for my medical equipment, they will not work. Yes, with the add-in card COM-2 is disabled, but upon removing that card, COM-2 should return.
Both ports are enabled in the BIOS but Win98se reports that the ports are working properly but it cannot detect a mouse. I've changed the cables/adapters/mice ...but zip.
Has anyone had a similar experience with this board?
Is there any truth to the claim that the board requires special cables to connect to the chasis?
I just am not ready to upgrade yet.

1. RE: Asus P5A-B -> COM-ports
lbyard Feb-14-02 05:23 PM
In response to message 0

>Both ports are enabled in the BIOS but Win98se reports that the ports are working properly but it cannot detect a mouse.
Try http://duxcw.com/faq/win/mouse.htm.
>Is there any truth to the claim that the board requires special cables to connect to the chasis?
Yes. One should use the serial cables/bracket assembly that came with the motherboard. They do vary. Larry

2. RE: Asus P5A-B -> COM-ports
vlg43 Feb-15-02 01:45 AM
In response to message 1

Larry,
Works like a charm although the subtlety of the difference escapes me.

3. RE: Asus P5A-B -> COM-ports
lbyard Feb-15-02 04:19 PM
In response to message 2

What did you do? Larry

4. RE: Asus P5A-B -> COM-ports
vlg43 Feb-15-02 05:25 PM
In response to message 3

The board came with a stantion with an external DB-9 and a DB-25 conector and cables to the mobo with DB-9 connectors only. I put it on and everything worked.
Upon close examination, the connectors to the board have position 10 blocked off. There must be some subtle wiring difference between the board and the connectors. Go figure! I've stopped trying to figure it out and I feel much better.
Thanks!!