can I use an old wired keyboard on a new iMac 24

Look closely at the USB connector on the keyboard. Some of those old Apple USB keyboards have a little ridge in the plug and came with an extension cable that has a corresponding notch. If you have one of those keyboards, then you need to use the supplied extension cable.

Some ancient Mac keyboards sold between 1984 and 1999 used "phone cord" connectors or Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) connectors (which look like S-Video connectors, but are incompatible with them).

Those won't work with modern Macs – but the connectors are different enough from USB-A or USB-C ones that you're not likely to mistake them for USB keyboards.

Do you recall where the extension cable that cane with the keyboard went?

Another option, is to just get and use an inexpensive $20 Logitech MK120 Keyboard and Mouse.

Just curious, what's wrong with the keyboard that came with your iMac?

This worked.

Thank you,

Mim

You’re welcome.