Why is my laptop computer keyboard locked so i can't type?

Answer 1

The first thing to check is see if their is power going to the keyboard. Does the Number lock, Caps lock, and Scroll lock lights work? If they do work then the problem could be a bad keyboard especially if the mouse works. If the lights do not work then check the plug it could be getting a bad connection, a broken or bent pin, or not plugged in at all.

Answer 2

It could be due to a few things.

First, is the keyboard securely plugged into the computer? Try removing and reseating the cable to see if that makes any difference.

Second, is either the plug or the jack damaged? In the case of a PS/2 connector, are there any bent or smashed pins? There are supposed to be six in a rough circle going around the inner perimeter of the plug. If you see fewer than that or if you see one (or more) smashed against the back of the plug, then all you can do is get yourself a new keyboard. On the other hand, if this is a USB keyboard, try a different port on your computer and see whether it works. If so, then look carefully at the USB port that you were originally trying to use and see whether it is damaged. There should be a plastic "blade" sticking out from about the middle of the port with copper connectors on both sides. If you see any of those copper contact points loose from the blade or if the blade is not straight but instead is loose, hanging down, or possibly even completely missing, then you have a damaged port that could require repair or replacement of the motherboard to resolve.

Third, do you have the appropriate drivers installed for the USB ports on your computer? If other USB devices are working but not your keyboard, then chances are this is not the issue. Once again, though, just to be sure, try connecting your keyboard to a USB port that you know works but also plug the displaced device into the port where your keyboard was previously and see whether you can get it to work. If not, then there is something flaky with that port such as a missing driver (which could be an issue, depending on the configuration of your machine, since some motherboards have two different chipsets that can be used to provide USB functionality) or just a bad port.

Fourth, have you checked to make sure that the keyboard works with another computer? Unless it is some sort of gaming keyboard that has added functions beyond being a typical keyboard, there should be no drivers needed for it beyond those that Windows automatically installs once it detects the keyboard's presence. Therefore, it should work soon after you plug it in. Give it a couple of minutes to install the driver as some machines are slower than others to accomplish this task.

Fifth, is this a wireless keyboard? If so, then have you checked the batteries to see whether they are fresh enough to operate the keyboard? As a hint, AA and AAA batteries (the sizes most commonly used in wireless keyboard) are rated for 1.5 volts DC but start life "overcharged" around 1.65 volts. Over time, whether used or not, their potential drops until they can no longer be used. A battery is "dead" when its voltage drops to 80 percent of its rated value. In the case of 1.5 volt batteries, they are dead when their voltages diminish to around 1.2 volts. For a keyboard that uses alkaline batteries and that sees average use each day, the batteries can last anywhere from six to 12 months. For rechargeable batteries, they can last for about three to six months before needing to be recharged. (Though if one gives Expert responses here on Answers.com, that longevity could be down to only about a month as is the case with my keyboard.)

Something else to consider regarding a wireless keyboard is whether the dongle is able to receive the signal from the keyboard. In my case, I have a Logitech K800 wireless backlit keyboard that uses a nano-adapter (one of those little adapters that looks like just a tiny bit of plastic slapped onto the back of a USB connector). When I first was using the keyboard, I had the dongle sitting on my desk and as long as there was nothing on top of it (such as paperwork or unopened mail), it worked just fine but as soon as anything got between it and the keyboard even though they were only about five inches apart, the reception would go right down the tubes. I resolved this by using a two-foot USB extension cable and put the dongle along the top of my desk hutch. There has been no problem since that relocation.

I hope all this helps. If you have other questions or need further guidance regarding continued keyboard maladies, feel free to drop me a line.

Answer 3

they are sticky, or if they have been ripped off, and your computer is windows XP, you click start, go to accesories, and it will be somewhere there. good luck!

Answer 4

You might have "sticky keys" on. To get it off, press the shift key 5 times rapidly.

Answer 5

try pressing the connect button on your keyboard and wireless box

Answer 6

well Its ether its broken our if its on your laptop then you have a virus!