Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
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Solvable? Perhaps, but probably not.
But if it makes you feel any better, I have exactly the same problem.
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The answer is in your question - you (and I) have a USB keyboard.
The process of booting your computer is handled first by the BIOS, and then by the Windows bootstrap loader. Neither of those have the drivers required for every possible hardware configuration, so they rely on a default. Sadly for you and me, USB keyboard support is not part of that default. It's not until Windows loads that all the hardware on your system, including the USB keyboard, becomes available, and ready to use.
I believe, but I'm not certain, that newer computers may include a BIOS with more robust USB support. I kind of expect it, since USB has become such a popular standard for peripheral devices.
Even then, though, I think I'm still screwed. I happen to have a USB Bluetooth keyboard. As a result, USB support in the BIOS is not enough ... I'd need it to support Bluetooth (a short-range wireless technology) as well. So depending on the specific type of USB keyboard you have, you may also be out of luck.
And yes, I do keep an old style PS2 keyboard in a drawer nearby, in case I need to do something with computer at some point before Windows XP starts up.
Article C2537 - January 30, 2006
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
Thank you Belial9... it works.. just enable the legacy on bios setting...
Posted by: bli at November 12, 2009 11:01 AMAnd I second that. Or threehundredandtwentynine that ;). USB Legacy was switched off (why?!), and now it's working. Thank you very much!
Posted by: Peter at November 26, 2009 12:07 PMI had the same problem when i changed my motherboard. I had to put an new windows, but my usb keyboard wasn`t responding to any control, except standard comands like flash bios, enter bios, recovery etc.
I was lucky because my new motherboard has a fine bios. I checked "Enabled", in BIOS, on USB Keyboard and problem solved. The defaul setting was disabled and this was the reason why the system wasn`t recognising my usb keyboard until windows was running.
Hope you have a fine bios and you`ll solve the problem easely. A huge problem using usb keyboards...Who manufactured them wasn`t thinking at this potential problem?! Clasic keyboards are better! They run anyway with no problem...
Posted by: Alex at March 31, 2010 4:36 AMI dont have the Classic PS/2 keyboard
Posted by: mo at April 28, 2010 4:15 AMNow wat do i do??
When it's just a normal usb keyboard and not a bluetooth one you can always buy an adapter plug so that you can connect the usb keyboard to the ps/2 port(sometimes included with the keyboard in the box). it also exists for a usb mouse.
Posted by: Herman at September 25, 2010 11:31 AM