Screen saver problem

I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 and like other people my screen saver stopped
working. I tried to do the Windows Update but when I do, I get a pop-up
saying that I need to go to Control Panel - Windows Update. When I do that,
it says that my system is up to date. I've checked out the Power Options and
its set to "allow the computer to sleep". I do not have a mouse. I use the
pointing device on the laptop. Any suggestions as to what else I can try?
Its very irratating that the screen saver doesn't work. Any help would be
appreciated.