Member Avatar for jaymandz

Here's what happened: I borrowed our modem so that I could use it on the laptop I borrowed from my friend. When I reconnected the modem to our PC and turned it (the PC) on, I found that the keyboard and mouse don't work anymore. I can't even access BIOS, Safe Mode, etc.

HELP!! WHAT HAPPENED?!! I think it's a virus, ain't it?

I'm using WinXP.

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Dani AI

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Short summary: when both keyboard and mouse are dead before Windows loads (no BIOS access, no Safe Mode), the problem is almost always firmware/hardware level rather than a typical Windows virus. The suggestion from and to disconnect the modem and other peripherals is a useful first check. The checklist below gives a systematic way to isolate the fault and recover input at boot.

  1. Power-drain and minimum boot: with the PC off, unplug the mains, flip the PSU switch off (if present) and hold the front power button 10–15 seconds to discharge remaining power. Reconnect only power, keyboard, mouse and monitor (no USB hubs, modem, external drives) and attempt boot.
  2. Observe keyboard LEDs: press NumLock/CapsLock during POST. If the LED changes state at power-up it shows hardware-level input is present; if not, input is not being seen at firmware/board level.
  3. Port/device swap: try known-good devices and different ports. Prefer rear motherboard USB ports. If PS/2 ports exist, try a PS/2 keyboard directly (PS/2 bypasses USB controllers).
  4. POST diagnostics: listen for motherboard beeps or watch onboard LEDs. No POST or diagnostic codes points toward motherboard/PSU issues.
  5. Clear CMOS (reset BIOS): with mains unplugged, open the case, ground yourself, remove the CR2032 coin cell for 5–10 minutes (or use the motherboard CLEAR_CMOS jumper per manual), then reinsert and boot. This restores default USB/legacy settings that can re-enable keyboard at boot.
  6. If input works in BIOS but not in Windows, treat it as an OS/driver problem: boot Safe Mode (F8) and remove/reinstall HID/USB drivers or use System Restore.
  7. If none of the above restores input, the likely culprits are a failed USB controller, motherboard fault, or PSU problem; testing with a different PSU or taking the board to a repair shop is the next practical step.

Note: a normal Windows virus rarely prevents BIOS/firmware from seeing keyboards; hardware/firmware troubleshooting should be prioritised.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hello,

Have you tired disconnecting the modem from the computer and turning it on? Does the computer still boot up?

Member Avatar for benmar

try to unplug the modem then turn the pc back without connecting the modem, see what happen

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