Is my motherboard dead?

[dredd]

When I started my system yesterday I was presented with the "Keyboard error or no keyboard present" message. I tried another keyboard but it gave the same error.

In the initial POST it still correctly identifies the chip, checks the RAM and autodetects the hard-drives as usual, but then stops on the keyboard error. The board is an old Gigabyte GA-6vm7a+ for coppermine PIII (5 years old) but it hasn't given any problems in the past and there has been no indication of deterioration before this error. The only problem I had lately was a delayed write failure when using a usb stick once or twice in the last couple of weeks.

Any suggestions on how to fix it, if possible? I don't have the cash to buy a new system (hence, why I'm still using a PIII) so I'm looking for any way to fix/work around the problem. I haven't reset the CMOS yet to check if that fixes it; should I try that first?

[theslasher@ntlw]

My old computer does this i have to move the ps2 connection at the back you could try a usb keyboard.

[Hottentot]

Perhaps your keyboard port has blown. You could try a USB keyboard.

[dredd]

The only problem with using a USB keyboard is that it explicitly has to be enabled in the BIOS with this particular motherboard. How would I be able to access and modify the BIOS if my PS2 keyboard doesn't function?

[Thorsson]

Plug and pray...

[theslasher@ntlw]

Have you tried wobberling the cable i have to do this on my sons computer a old ASUS board.

[dredd]

Well, it appears the keyboard controller on my mobo is no longer functional or something. I've tried anything to get it working but to no avail. So, does anyone know where I can get a socket 370 mobo cheap in the UK? I've already looked on ebay, but the deals on there look pretty dodgy.