Keyboard not functioning on Dell desktop

[HalestormX]

I have a Dell Dimension E310 that I just recently started having a issue with - the keyboard no longer works. It is a USB keyboard and there's no PS2 on the computer. Someone on another site suggested resetting the CMOS and I did that but it made a new problem, now it's saying Floppy Disk Seek Failure. Without the keyboard I am unable to access the BIOS or even do a reinstall of Windows XP Home so I'm kinda lost on what to do. I've already tried a different keyboard and no dice. the keyboard I am using lights up with caps lock on and all, just don't have any other key functionality.

Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[LookinAround]

Hmmm..

So when you boot your Dell and hit F2 during the Dell screen you can't enter your BIOS?? And you say you've already tried a different USB keyboard???

Don;t know for sure but might be a sign of a more serious issue with your USB ports and hardware if you can't even enter BIOS on power up.

One thing you might try: go to your local computer store and get a PCI card with a PS/2 port. I see them online for cheap ($10) but best to go to a local brick and mortar store i think since if that fails to work to, at least is easy to return it. Then try a PS/2 keyboard.

When you get into BIOS, check if there's a setting for USB Legacy Support and that it's Enabled. That tells BIOS to emulate USB before Windows actually loads and starts. As I think if USB fails even during BIOS USB emulation, it probably means hardware failure is my guess. (Tho maybe others might have other opinion... ?)