A few outlets in one room stopped working but the breaker didn't trip.

When outlets stop working without a tripped breaker, it often indicates a break in the circuit's continuity. Before you do anything, ensure you are not working with live wires if you decide to open any covers.

Here is what you should check, in order of simplicity:

1. Check for GFCI outlets: Look for any outlets in that room (or even in adjacent rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms) that have "Test" and "Reset" buttons. If one GFCI outlet in a series trips, it will cut power to all downstream outlets. Press the "Reset" button firmly on all GFCI outlets in the area to see if power returns.
2. Inspect the "dead" outlets for loose connections: If a wire has come loose from the back or side of one of the non-working outlets, the rest of the chain will lose power. With the power turned off at the main breaker, you can unscrew the outlet covers and pull the outlets out slightly to see if any wires have disconnected from the terminals.
3. Check for "back-stabbed" connections: Many older outlets use push-in connectors on the back rather than screw terminals. Over time, these can lose their grip or corrode, causing the circuit to fail even if the breaker is fine. If you see wires pushed into small holes in the back of the outlet, this is a common point of failure.
4. Verify the breaker again: Even if the breaker looks like it is in the "On" position, it may have tripped internally. Flip it all the way to "Off," and then firmly back to "On."

A note on safety: If you find loose wires or signs of scorching (black marks or a melting smell), do not attempt to repair it yourself unless you are experienced with electrical work. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you likely have a loose wire inside a junction box or a faulty outlet somewhere along the circuit. In that case, calling a licensed electrician is the safest path forward.