imac wired keyboard not working

I had this issue a while back and found 2 workarounds:

1) Plug the keyboard into a powered USB port and it'll work (suggested on another post)

After using 1) for a number of years, it came unplugged accidentally and wouldn't recognise it anymore when reconnectped. I got in touch with Apple Support via the website (and spoke to someone who was able to help in 2 minutes - top marks Apple Support!), so it's a faulty keyboard apparently and the suggestion...

2) Plug in another keyboard (even a Windows keyboard - the cmd button is the Windows key!)

Hope that helps anyone else looking

Hey there a_nialator,

It sounds like you are unable to use your keyboard, as it doesn't seem to respond to anything when you are logged into your account even after resetting the SMC, but other devices work to the same usb port. I would use the troubleshooting from the following article to help you get that resolved, named:

USB and FireWire Quick Assist

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1151

• Try a different port and cable
  Connect your device to a different USB or FireWire port on your Mac. If you connected your device to a USB or FireWire hub or to a port on another USB or FireWire device that's connected to your Mac (known as daisy chaining), connect your device directly to a port on your computer. Some devices need to draw power from a USB or FireWire port to work; if you connect a device to a non-powered hub (one that isn't plugged in to a power source) or to a low-power port (such as the one on your USB keyboard), it may not work. If you have another known-good cable, try swapping the cable to see if that works. If it does, you should replace the problematic cable.
• Check for device conflicts
  Disconnect all USB or FireWire devices (including hubs and extension cables) except for your Apple keyboard and mouse. Then, connect the device in question directly to your computer. If your device works now, there may be a conflict between that device and one of your other USB or FireWire devices. If it doesn't work, go to tip 8. If you do have a conflict, you can determine which devices are affected. Connect your other devices to your Mac, one by one, making sure to test that each device works before making another connection. When you find the device that causes the issue, contact the manufacturer for assistance (check both manufacturers' websites for software updates and additional information).
• Quit associated applications
  If you're using a particular application that uses the device in question (for example, you're using Image Capture with a USB scanner), try quitting the application and then opening it again.
• Try another user account or computer
  If you have another Mac available, try connecting your device to that other computer to see if it works. If you don't have another computer available, log in to another user account on your Mac (or create a new user account and log in to it), and test the device again. If the device is working now, there may be a software conflict between the device and something in your original user account.
• Check System Profiler for hardware Issues
  Open System Profiler (from the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then click More Info) and then click either USB or FireWire. If you don't see your device listed in the pane, the issue could be with the device itself or your computer's USB or FireWire port. To rule out the port, plug the device into another USB or FireWire port on your Mac and then check System Profiler again (press Command-R to refresh the window). Also try resetting the FireWire bus. If you see your device listed in the pane but it doesn't work, you may want to contact the device's manufacturer for assistance.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Sterling

Thanks for the update!

I'm glad to know you were able to successfully isolate and resolve the keyboard issue here.

Had the same problem and read somewhere about using the extension cord that comes with the usb keyboard: so far it works a treat!