Member Avatar for emorjon2

hi all!

i have a serius problem with the USB keyboard. I've installed Ubuntu but when the OS choosing menu comes up, the keyboard doesn't work, which make the ubuntu worthless :(
I have installed ubuntu before, on a previous netbook running windows XP and then the keyboard worked without problem, but now, on my Windows 7 desktop computer, the keyboard doesn't start to work until I come to the home screen! :@ any ideas for how to make the keyboard work in the "black mode" :?: would be thankful for answers!

PS. sorry for potential bad english. I'm a sweed :)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

Dani AI

Generated

This symptom — keyboard dead at the OS‑choice/boot menu but working once Ubuntu loads — points to USB devices not being enumerated by the firmware/bootloader. and were on the right track; below are focused, practical steps that go beyond a simple BIOS check and are known to fix this class of problem.

  • Quick checks: move the keyboard to a different physical port (rear motherboard ports are more likely to be USB2/full-speed); avoid USB3/“SS” ports for the boot stage. A small powered USB hub sometimes forces enumeration early and will prove whether the issue is controller/port related.
  • Firmware settings to inspect: disable any ultra/fast boot option, and look for USB controller modes (xHCI / EHCI / USB3.0 mode). Switching xHCI/USB3 to an Auto or USB2/EHCI mode or enabling EHCI hand‑off forces legacy-style enumeration before the OS. Updating the motherboard BIOS/UEFI can expose the needed options on some boards.
  • GRUB-level fix (when firmware options are missing): preload USB/keyboard modules so the bootloader can see HID devices. On Ubuntu, add a preload line and update GRUB:
# edit /etc/default/grub and add or modify:
GRUB_PRELOAD_MODULES="usb usb_keyboard ehci ohci uhci"

# then update:
sudo update-grub

After reboot, the GRUB menu will attempt to initialize USB input earlier.

If none of the above is possible, a legacy/DIN‑PS/2 keyboard or an adapter can be used as a diagnostic/temporary workaround. In practice the most common fixes are switching to a true USB2 port or changing xHCI/EHCI/USB3 settings in the firmware; the other steps are useful when those options aren’t available.

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Member Avatar for rubberman

This is probably due to how you have configured your USB setup in the BIOS. Whatever it is set to, try the opposite setting.

Member Avatar for jbennet

Use a PS/2 keyboard.
Also look in your BIOS. If there is a "legacy usb" option, change it.

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