Keyboard works in Bios but no where else

I'm trying to install xp on a new system and the usb keyboard seems to not work outside of the bios. I tried running superfdisk, nothing. Command line on a boot disc, nothing. Install options on winxp, i.e., enter, R, or F3, nothing. I am going to get my hands on a ps/2 keyboard to try that, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? I have tried multiple usb slots. Thanks.

 

That is odd.
If you can hook up a PS2 and it gives you keyboard conrol, then rehookup up your USB and check and see if device manager gives you an error message (Yellow explamation point)

 

Hi, I switched to a usb keyboard and xp found and loaded the drivers no problem but the os was already installed using a ps2 keyboard. You may need a ps2 to perform a new install and you are trying that so try the usb again after you get xp up and running.

 

What usb port are you plugged into? Try switching ports. Usually the most reliable will be the ports directly off the motherboard. All my usb keyboards came with a usb to PS/2 adapter, yours didn't? Check the box again!

 

I am having a similar problem. I'm putting a new hard drive in a friends Dell XPS 400, which only has USB, no ps/2. I can flip thru the bios with the keyboard with no problem, but when I get to the Windows setup screen I can't select F3 or 'r' or enter to install Windows. I've tried finding a driver for the Dell keyboard with no luck. The driver is native to Windows Xp is all I keep hearing. I have tried all the USB ports and several reboots. Also, when I get to Windows setup screen the 9 lock symbol lights up on the keyboard. The CD I'm trying to install is Windows XP SP2.

Some system info:
Dell DXP051
BIOS: A03
Intel processor

I'm not super with computers- actually I'm thinking I shouldn't have offered to do this for my friend. So, please go easy on me and any advice is appreciated...

 

@jet8886: check the BIOS and see if there's an emulation mode or if there's a separate setting for USB keyboards and/or USB mouses (mice?). I have seen BIOS settings on some PCs that have a sub-setting for USB keyboards; there's the main setting for Enabled/Disabled, and when USB Keyboard support is enabled, another setting shows up for Keyboard Mode and the choices are PS2 and USB. But this is really uncommon and I think I've only seen it once or twice.

 

No there's not an option for usb or ps2 keyboards in BIOS. Someone suggested that i update the BIOS... I don't know how to do that but, even if I did, would that be a plausible solution??