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my laptop keyboards not working
external keyboard not working
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(147.20000000000002, 51%, 24%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECK%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
charles kilzer
0
Reputation points
new dell laptop and older ibm (not wireless) keyboard, stopped working? Doesn't seem to have power regardless of if plugged into computer or dell splitter
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
2 answers
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David-M 122.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-07-28T13:10:07.4533333+00:00 Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.
To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:
- What type of connector does the keyboard use? Is it a native USB cable, or a round 6-pin PS/2 plug with an adapter?
- Are there any physical signs of power when plugged directly into the laptop? Do any status lights (Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock) flash briefly?
- How does Windows 11 respond upon direct connection? Does it play a connection sound or show an error icon in Device Manager (Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager")?
- What type of Dell splitter is being used? Is it externally powered by a wall outlet, or powered only by the laptop?
- Does the keyboard work on another computer, or does another USB device work in that same port?
Looking forward to your reply.