Running a PS/2 Keyboard in a USB port

[b1004u]

I have a Dell Laptop. It has a few problems with the keyboard, namely the space bar (it either adds two spaces or none). Because of this I want to use a normal keyboard. However, my Laptop only has USB ports, no PS/2 ports.

Anyway, I bought a few different used keyboards and also a PS/2 to USB adapter. However, none of them have worked. Each time my computer gives me a message that says "USB Device Not Recognized." I have tried downloading the drivers to the different keyboards but it still doesn't work. I think it has something to do with running a PS/2 keyboard in a USB port.

Part of the reason i think this is that i borrowed a friend's USB keyboard and it worked fine.

You may be asking, why don't i just go buy a USB keyboard. As a last resort, i will, but i am reluctant to spend the money when i have two keyboards and a PS/2 to USB adapter sitting here...

My computer specs are below.

THANKS for any help!
------------------------------------------
Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)


Motherboard:
CPU Type Mobile Intel Pentium 4, 3056 MHz (23 x 133)
Motherboard Name Dell Inspiron 5150
Motherboard Chipset Intel Montara-PM i852PM
System Memory 512 MB (PC2700 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (12/10/04)

Display:
Video Adapter nVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Intel 82801DBM ICH4-M - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-1]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(r) 82801DB Ultra ATA Storage Controller-24CA
Disk Drive IC25N030ATMR04-0 (30 GB, 4200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Optical Drive HL-DT-ST DVD+RW GCA-4040N (DVD:4x/2.4x/6x, CD:16x/10x/20x DVD+RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse HID-compliant mouse
Mouse PS/2 Compatible Mouse

[pip22]

in my experience those PS2 to USB keyboard adapters don't work. I would go ahead and buy a 'proper' USB keyboard since you've already established that does work. And anyway they don't cost very much compared to many other PC peripherals.

[b1004u]

Thanks for that input. That is, i guess, the question I was curious to have answered. Do USB-PS/2 adapters work?

what was your experience that led you to believe they don't work...

[Kevin_gibson]

Yes they do work, you might have just a faulty adapter.