diff --git a/sdl.c b/sdl.c
index 15427c5271..2ce6e81522 100644
--- a/sdl.c
+++ b/sdl.c
@@ -286,9 +286,12 @@ static void sdl_grab_start(void)
         SDL_WarpMouse(guest_x, guest_y);
     } else
         sdl_hide_cursor();
-    SDL_WM_GrabInput(SDL_GRAB_ON);
-    gui_grab = 1;
-    sdl_update_caption();
+
+    if (SDL_WM_GrabInput(SDL_GRAB_ON) == SDL_GRAB_ON) {
+        gui_grab = 1;
+        sdl_update_caption();
+    } else
+        sdl_show_cursor();
 }
 
 static void sdl_grab_end(void)