Some keys not working

[ladyscout]

My Acer Aspire has suddenly started to act up. About half of the keys are not working. Also the padlock light is on and I don't know what that is. NOTHING was spilled on the computer and it is clean.

 

[ratedk]

Padlock light is the NumLock. Does your keyboard have a numberpad on the right side? Better yet, what is the make and model of your laptop?

 

[ladyscout]

Yes it does, but the numlock will not go off. It is an Acer Aspire 7535/5020

 

[ratedk]

If you've got a USB Keyboard lying around, plug it in and see if it works.

If so, you may just have a bad keyboard. They're cheap on eBay (less than $20) and are not difficult to replace. Videos can be found on-line with step by step instructions.

If the USB keyboard doesn't work, check all the USB ports for any broken/out-of-place pieces. If one has any broken plastics or metal tabs touching, it could be the cause all the USB controlled devices to flip out (laptop keyboard included).