Problem with AT keyboard port

My friend gave me an old system. (I have 4 or 5 that I'm not using now). I was going to put linux on this one but I get a keyboard error on start up. I tried a different keyboard so the problem is in the connection. What alternatives do I have? If I bought a usb card could I use a usb keyboard and have the system boot properly? Sense the AT port is on the mobo am I pretty much screwed?

 

Can you get into the Bios at all?

 

No because I have no way of using the keyboard.

 

usb is only supported on win98 or higher.

 

usb is only supported on win98 or higher.
then, the bios must have legacy usb support.

 

So I'm screwed? Can I get a card or something for ps/2 support?

 

USB on PCI might work, its worth a shot. try wiggling the at plug around a bit to see if the connections are just dirty. If that dosn't work scrap the system, anything with AT style plugs isn't worth a whole lot. just for sh!ts and giggles try jumping the cmos jumper out to clear the cmos, it could be a faulty setting, I can't think of any reason why, but it could be.

 

could make a good end table cover.