keyboard malfunction

Question

When I press any key on the USB keyboard, I hear a sound like a clink through the speaker, but it doesn't type anything on the screen or perform any function.  The Windows troubleshooter does not find any problem.  (Windows 7 Professional 64, Dell Desktop)  Unplugging the keyboard and plugging it back in doesn't fix it.  (If I restart the computer I will lose unsaved files.)  This happened suddenly.   What can I do?

Answer 1

Thank you for the very clear explanation.  Unfortunately, that didn't work, so I will try restarting. 

See if the problem persists while in Safe Mode. Here is how to launch Safe Mode:

Click the Windows symbol or press the Windows key, then click

• Settings
• Update and Security 
• Recovery 
• "Restart now" under "Advanced startup"
• Troubleshooting
• Advamced options
• Startup settings
• Restart
• Enable Safe Mode

Answer 2

Thank you for the very clear explanation.  Unfortunately, that didn't work, so I will try restarting.

Answer 3

Maybe you have a corrupted keyboard driver. I would do this:

1. Open the Control Panel / Device Manager. Right-click Keyboards, then delete the keyboard.
2. Right-click the PC name at the top.
3. Left-click Scan for hardware changes

Answer 4

Thank you.  After searching for hours (before you replied) I found it.  I am using it now.  I tried a different keybd, w the same result.  I went to device mgr & got "This device is working properly" for keybd & USB controllers.  

I can save files & restart now, but I also would like to know how else to fix the problem and why it occurred in the first place.  

Incidentally, the Mute key and keys for up and down volume work.  Nothing else.

Answer 5

Your keyboard might be defective.

To save your files, do this:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32
3. Double-click osk.exe

This will give you the on-screen keyboard.