PS2 to USB keyboard on a laptop: Unrecognized device

I have a Toshiba Sattelite Laptop, Windows XP SP2, Intel p4 2.4Ghz, GeForce 4 420Go (32 mb), 512 megs of DDR ram, A4 tech 5 button USB mouse, 40 gig internal HDD, 120 gig external drive (NexStar USB), Canon ip1500 printer, and a kitchen sink. All peripherals are hooked up to the laptop via USB ports.

My problem is this: The laptop has no PS2 port, and my old keyboard is PS2. I bought a Serial to USB adapter at frys and plugged the keyboard into the laptop, via the USB port. Windows recognized that there was a USB device plugged in, but couldn't figure out that it was a keyboard. I tried shutting down the computer and plugging in the keyboard, the rebooting and it still didn't work. I realize that I probably need some generic USB keyboard drivers, but I'm not sure how to do that, nor where to look. USB keyboard support is enabled in the BIOS. Is there some trick to getting a PS2 keyboard to work with a USB adapter, or am I just being newbish?

If there is any more information that you require, I will gladly supply it. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

 

I think you'd be better off buying a USB keyboard and forgetting about the old PS2 keyboard. If you are running out of USB ports you might consider a 4 -into-1 USB plug-in device. Beware, you may need a separate powered one rather than 1 that runs of the internal USB power if you have too much power already being used via your internal USB ports. Sounds like a nice laptop. makes me jealous. Bazza

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