Lost keyboard function PS2

[PtBetsie]

I was testing some keyboards that were donated and had decided that they were non working. I went back to my regular keyboard and now it isn't working either! It doesn't show up on device manager either. Is this fixable?

[kiosk]

I'm going to assume you used PS/2 keyboards. Here are several things you might want to know:

1) Unlike USB keyboards, PS/2 keyboards are NOT hot-swappable. You can't just plug in one onto a working computer and expect it to work right then and there - you need to switch the computer off, plug in (or plug out) your keyboard, and turn the computer back on.

2) If you plugged/unplugged the keyboard while the computer was powered, there is about 10% chance that the keyboard will work right off the bat, without the computer being power cycled. In most cases, keyboard will not run and will appear dead (and that's the least of your worries).

3) While we're at plugging keyboards onto a working PC, keep in mind that plugging anything onto a powered and running PC, other than audio cables and USB is a great way to release the magic blue smoke.

Edit: If some of the keyboards you were tesing had something shorted out in the circuitry, it could have damaged your computer's mainboard. Does your keyboard work before Windows loads; i.e. can you enter BIOS setup? Do you have a spare USB keyboard lying around you could try?

Edit2: Can you try your original keyboard on a different PC? Do ANY keboards work with your computer right now?

[PtBetsie]

I never hot swap anything PS2 always turn off the pc first. The pc works with a USB keyboard but not the PS2. Am I stuck buying a new USB keyboard or is there a repair for this? With this USB keyboard, would I be able to do a repair/install or won't USB be recognized at that point? I can choose del, esc, etc when the pc is booting up with the USB KB.

[kiosk]

If your "known-good" PS/2 keyboard doesn't work during POST and you can't enter setup with it, then you either have a faulty keyboard or a damaged PS/2 port.

Someone might chime in with other ideas, but personally I think you should invest in a good USB keyboard.

[hackerballs]

USB is a faster keyboard also.................

[Paul Komski]

You could get a ps2 to usb adapter maybe
or
from your favourite retailer.

[FTT]

Try a BIOS reset