USB Keyboard Does Not Work in BIOS (But Otherwise Works Fine.)

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 35
    win10 and win7
       #1

    USB Keyboard Does Not Work in BIOS (But Otherwise Works Fine.)


    I have a USB keyboard which normally works fine but is not working when I enter the BIOS. (Which I am trying to do BTW so that I can boot from the the Win10 ISO install disk. I'm on Win7 now and I've tried the easier way many times but it always fails.)

    The keyboard is plugged directly into the PC (i.e. is not going through a hub).

    If it might matter the motherboard is a Gigabyte MA78G-DS3H which supports AMD Phenom and Athlon processors.

    I used to use a non-USB keyboard on this machine but that port stopped working so I don't think I have the option of trying a non-USB keyboard.

    I wouldn't mind replacing this system but I am too busy to do that while the upgrades to Win10 are still free.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks, Bob
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,322
    Win10
       #2

    not all bios's allow the use of a mouse, newer UEFI Bios's do but on older machines it's not an option , but for your keyboard you could look for a Legacy Option in the bios under USB which should allow USB to work outside Win7 too.

    you could check the PS2 ports are still enabled too while in the bios
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 18,421
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    Are you plugged into a USB port with a blue insert? If so, try switching to a black USB port.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 505
    Windows 10 Pro (Mix of Builds) / Linux Mint
       #4

    Other than just punching keys on it in BIOS, (Just checking), you are trying the arrow keys, and perhaps F10 ? (Which typically should then get you a save changes and exit query box) ...

    Check USB settings for legacy support on boot/BIOS.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13,848
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #5

    bob12603 said:
    I have a USB keyboard which normally works fine but is not working when I enter the BIOS. (Which I am trying to do BTW so that I can boot from the the Win10 ISO install disk. I'm on Win7 now and I've tried the easier way many times but it always fails.)

    The keyboard is plugged directly into the PC (i.e. is not going through a hub).

    If it might matter the motherboard is a Gigabyte MA78G-DS3H which supports AMD Phenom and Athlon processors.

    I used to use a non-USB keyboard on this machine but that port stopped working so I don't think I have the option of trying a non-USB keyboard.

    I wouldn't mind replacing this system but I am too busy to do that while the upgrades to Win10 are still free.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks, Bob
    That board does have a purple PS/2 port for a keyboard and a green PS/2 port for a mouse. You need a PS/2 keyboard to enter the BIOS and to make changes such as the afore-mentioned Legacy setting for USB 2.0 devices. [I have 2 Gigabyte motherboards that have been upgraded from Win7 to Win10.]
    GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM2+ - GA-MA78G-DS3H (rev. 1.0)
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 2,322
    Win10
       #6

    He mentioned the PS2 ports aren't working Berton , that's why he is on USB

    Some bios's also allow you to hit F8 as you boot , and you'll get a menu that lets you choose what device/drive you want to boot from , so hopefully you can get to install Win10 that way instead.

    Check you MB Manual if it isn't F8 , if you get the option to goto Safe Mode you hit F8 too late in the Boot Sequence
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 1,020
    Windows 10 Pro 20H2 19042.572
       #7

    Kbird said:
    He mentioned the PS2 ports aren't working Berton , that's why he is on USB

    Some bios's also allow you to hit F8 as you boot , and you'll get a menu that lets you choose what device/drive you want to boot from , so hopefully you can get to install Win10 that way instead.

    Check you MB Manual if it isn't F8 , if you get the option to goto Safe Mode you hit F8 too late in the Boot Sequence
    I'm pretty sure most Gigabyte boards use F9 to get into the boot sequence, but if OP's won't support any USB devices, He won't be able to hit any function key. Hey maybe able to pick up one of those little adapters the convert PS/2 to USB. I've those in the past.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 35
    win10 and win7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thanks for the several responses. But it seems that without a working PS2 port I am up a creek without a ... PS2 port.

    Again, thanks for taking a look at my problem and responding.

    Bob
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,322
    Win10
       #9

    On my gigabyte board the boot menu is F12 , (on my Asus Board it is F8) you should then be able to choose the DVD or USB key to boot from and install Win 10 . If you can get keyboard working of course.

    You can just run win 10 setup from within Win7 where everything is working.....

    Did you try both PS2 ports for the Keyboard ? Did you make sure the PS2 keyboard actually works?
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 35
    win10 and win7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Kbird said:
    On my gigabyte board the boot menu is F12 , (on my Asus Board it is F8) you should then be able to choose the DVD or USB key to boot from and install Win 10 . If you can get keyboard working of course.

    You can just run win 10 setup from within Win7 where everything is working.....

    Did you try both PS2 ports for the Keyboard ? Did you make sure the PS2 keyboard actually works?
    Thanks very much for your post Kbird. I have only one PS2 keyboard and only one computer with a PS2 keyboard (lavendar) port. So I don't have many testing options. Some cursory research indicated that (at least in general) keyboards are supported only by the lavendar port and mice are supported only by the green port. So I was reluctant to try the keyboard in the mouse port. I do not need any more problems on this machine!

    BUT ... when people here are kind enough to take an interest in my problem and offer their suggestions I think that the least I can do on my end is be thorough. So, although I clearly recall that my PS2 keyboard was not working in the PS2 keyboard port on the PC I gave it another try. And damn if it isn't working. So thanks very much for incenting me to give it another try. Maybe the problem is intermittent or, since I have only the keyboard and not the mouse plugged into a PS2 port (the mouse is still USB connected) maybe there is interference? Who knows. In any event thanks again for your post.

    Bob
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:59.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums