GPU not working

[KoolKaboom]

So I have been having this problem with framerates for the last week or two, but I just found out why. I just got MSI After burner to see if overclocking would help at all, when I found out my problem. The GPU Usage has not gone above 0%, even after launching a game both through a launcher and directly (clicking the option to use high performance GPU). Does anyone have a solution to this problem, or just a guess of a fix? I'm desperate and anything is appreciated.

 

If it helps:

Alienware m14x r1 (I have gotten enough hate, so don't mention it)

GT 555m running optimus

Intel i7 2630qm

1x6 gb 1600 ram

[Hazy125]

Reinstall or update driver?

[KoolKaboom]

Reinstall or update driver?

I have the most recent drivers, and It was acting like this about a week ago, I got afterburner today, so that's not the problem.

[KoolKaboom]

Just ran minecraft, the gpu use was up in the 80%, does anyone know if this is caused by Steam, because it is the games that run through steam that are giving me the problem.

[mvitkun]

is your power profile set to high performance?

not sure if the nvidia control panel still has this.
Manage 3D Settings>Global Settings>Preferred GPU
you should be able to set the preferred gpu to the GT 555m

[KoolKaboom]

is your power profile set to high performance?

not sure if the nvidia control panel still has this.

Manage 3D Settings>Global Settings>Preferred GPU

you should be able to set the preferred gpu to the GT 555m

First thing I tried, I don't know why it didn't work