Hey Vermont North,
Here is an article that will help you address this keyboard issue:
One or more keys on the keyboard do not respond
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1381
No keys work on an external Apple keyboard
- If you use a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, make sure it is turned on when the computer starts up. You may need to check the battery levels, too. See this article for more troubleshooting information.
- Disconnect and reconnect your keyboard. Make sure that the connector is completely inserted into the port. (USB plugs fit into ports one way only, and won't allow you to make a connection if you try to connect them upside-down.) Test the keyboard again.
- Connect your keyboard to a different USB port.
- Try a different keyboard with your computer if possible, or your keyboard with a different Mac.
- Try logging into a different user account. If the issue does not occur when logged into a different user account, then troubleshoot for software issues.
- Open Accessibilty or Universal Access preferences (in System Preferences) and click the Mouse tab. Verify thatMouse Keys is Off, as shown below. (With Mouse Keys on you can use the keyboard or the numeric keypad keys to move the mouse, however normal keyboard functionality will be disabled until the Mouse Keys feature is turned off.)
In addition to these steps, I would recommend that you un-pair and re-pair your keyboard, if it is a Bluetooth keyboard. Take care, and thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities.
-Braden