Replace the keyboard.

Sounds like the retention clip broke, which is not uncommon with notebook keyboards.  The cost of a replacement is about $35 and takes about 10 minutes to install with most Dells.  What model system do you have?

I'm a bit technically challenged - so please bear with me.

How do I go about replacing a keyboard in a laptop?  For my pc, I could just go out and buy one - but that's probably not the case here?

does a new one slide into place easily? I can't fathom how -- and I was hoping to not have to take it somewhere for an expensive repair.

I'm starting to get really anxious here - sounds like an expensive repair for a little clippy thing falling off?  thanks for any further help you can offer on this topic.  I"m so frustrated because I can see where there is a little slot  on the board that the white plastic  thing under key that fell off should click into - but I can't get my fingers to manipulate it right, I guess.  It's like the keyboard has a missing tooth - and needs a root canal or something!