" Then I see a message that says "Keyboard failure." "

 

Try using a new or different keyboard.

 

You will need to use a keyboard that hooks up to the dedicated keyboard port on the computer. While you are in the bios, the USB ports are not active. That is why your commands from the keyboard are not being recognized.

I was tossing that out there since you had mentioned in the first post that you disconnected and reconnected the USB.

 

Dimension 4100 Bought January 2001
Windows XP Home SP2 Slipstreamed
866 Pentium 3
512 Ram
Western Digital 60 gig Hard Drive
Western Digital 120 gig Hard Drive
Sony 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
GeForce 5200
Creative SB Live
Digital Research DVD RW
RCA Cable Modem
HP Deskjet 932
HP K-60 all in one
Canon Scanner

Inspiron 5150
Windows XP Pro
3.06 Pentium 4
512 Ram
60 Gig HD

The keyboard I am using currently is the manufacturer's original keyboard.

 

I appreciate your prompt reply, and I'm sorry to question you, but it kind of makes me wonder.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

 

Thank you very much for your patience and suggestions ...

 

I bought a new keyboard (Radio Shack $22) that has a PS/2 adapter,

 and I'm able to access the BIOS screen now.

 

Glad you all are here - now for my reformatting adventures :)