there is one thing that makes a MediaCenterPC unique...the infrared remote and its receiver (which is mounted in the case)...I run XP MCE without the above items as I made my box and decided upon MCE because its basically the same as XP pro yet cost $10 less...

anyways, sounds like one of the pieces of hardware is failing...as a guess I suspect the batteries in the remote need to be replaced...

or, as previously noted, it might be the associated drivers for the receiver...

if its not that, then most likely its a warranty issue with the receiver...

since you have a 'real' MediaCenter PC, then call the manufacturer and talk to them about it..they will be able to direct you to where/how to get the drivers for the device