Trying to use a Dell USB keyboard on a Compaq PC. PC detects "unknown device," but can't go further. Do USB keyboards require drivers? Could be keyboard is bad.

CFJ

Yes, they do need drivers, but usually only to 'activate' all the extra keys. Most will work with the 'basic' native drivers...at least for the normal keys and functions. If the keyboard is just being detected as an unknown device, then the is a good chance something is wrong with it. It should be at least able to be detected as a generic keyboard.

Does it work outside of Windows...like can you use it to enter the BIOS? Or with a Linux LiveCD?

It's a donated keyboard, so I think it's probably NG.
Thanks.

CFJ

Install and use Unknown Device Identifier [UDI] (http://www.zhangduo.com/unknowndeviceidentifier.html) to identify the "Unknown Device" [perhaps related to, or essential for the functioning of, but not the USB keyboard itself].

Then use UDI to find a driver.