I installed libgtk-3-0 v 3.14.4-1 which removed ubuntu-desktop any some other applications. I then reinstalled the missing applications, restarted my computer and the problem with gedit was fixed but the libgtk-3-0 package was listed as broken and the package management system wouldn't let me install new software so I reverted libgtk-3-0 back to 3.12.2-0ubuntu15 and the problem with gedit is still fixed. I hope this helps with finding a solution as wouldn't recommend anyone trying what I did to fix it as I have no idea how or why it happened and I wouldn't want anyone to break their system.
-- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Desktop Packages, which is subscribed to gedit in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1387219 Title: Mouse pointer disappears and cursor stops blinking Status in “gedit” package in Ubuntu: Confirmed Bug description: Open gedit. Notice the cursor is blinking. Type a few lines of text. Highilight some of the text. Press <CTRL><c> to cut the text. Notice that the mouse ponter is invisible while hovering over the gedit window. Notice that the gedit cursor is no longer blinking. $ uname -a Linux XYZ 3.16.0-23-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP Tue Oct 21 17:56:17 UTC 2014 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux $ lsb_release -a No LSB modules are available. Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 14.10 Release: 14.10 Codename: utopic To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gedit/+bug/1387219/+subscriptions -- Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages Post to : desktop-packages@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp