My optical mouse has started exhibiting problems that are best described as slow to respond to clicks. Also noticed tabs in google chrome stick to the mouse once clicked.

Just point your mouse on the top right side of the screen to display windows 8 tab. Then point the mouse and click search and type google from there you will the google chrome browser, right click it and click pin from start. It will automatically appear on your taskbar for easy access. Or Just right click the open file location, right click the google chrome and select send to desktop (create shortcut) it will appear on your desktop. Have a good day

May be your files/software have been corrupted. if not virus problem, so scan your system with anti-virus after that
Try un-installing your Google Chrome and delete all the temporary files of your system. After that re-start your system/PC Installed it again your Google Chrome and see whether it's working or not?
Else click here and install it.
Thanks for Using FixYa All the Best!

Check whether you have switched the Primary and Secondary buttons of the Mouse. Please click on Start>Control Panel>Hardware and Sound>Mouse. Then Uncheck the Primary and Secondary buttons of the Mouse to resolve the issue.

You could try changer your mouses speed settings.
To do this go to Start>Control Panel> And open Mouse. Then go to the Pointer Options tab and turn up the speed under "Select a pointer speed"
This might be a little different depending on your OS.
If you turn it up and your mouse is still slow try cleaning the lens on the bottom.
If it still does not work, try to return it and get a different one.

Welcome to Fixya.

Mouse not responding could mean that the driver is not installed in the laptop.

To check if it is installed go to Device Manager.

1. Go to your desktop, right click My Computer, and left click Properties.

2. Left click the Hardware tab and then left click the Device Manager button.

3. Click the plus sign right next to mouse to expand. Check if there is a yellow exclamation mark which indicates a driver problem.

4. If it is a driver problem, go to the manufacturer's website to get the latest driver.

If it is not a driver problem, try connecting the mouse to a different computer. Check if it will work. If it will not work, then it is a dead mouse.

Also check the cables if it shows any sign of wearing.

Your feedback will be much appreciated.

Thank you for using Fixya!

The keyboard stroke to open a new tab in Firefox and Google chrome is CTRL + T.
To open a closed tab, the key is CTRL + Shift + T
To close the Current tab, the key is CTRL +W

Try new batteries and make sure the on/off switch is ON. If that does not work, please post back describing the problem in detail, and I will try to help.

Since you've already check the properties, try replacing the batteries.
or make sure your mouse and receiver are within reasonable distance.

Thats all I can think off right now.

Good luck.