Kernel doesn't recognize USB keyboard

Thoom · n00b Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Stanford, CA

When I boot up, my BIOS and Grub both recognize my USB keyboard just fine, but when I get to the login prompt, it doesn't work, nor do the lights turn on, which seems to indicate it isn't receiving power anymore.

I have UHCI OHCI and EHCI, as well as HID and the HID input layer all compiled into my kernel (gentoo-dev-sources, 2.6.8-gentoo-r3). HID input layer instructs me to enable "Input core" (CONFIG_INPUT), but it doesn't show up anywhere in the Input devices section of menuconfig. I checked .config out in nano, and CONFIG_INPUT is set to "y".

I'm baffled. Is it possible that menuconfig bugged out? Or that I'm missing some terribly obvious submenu or option elsewhere in the kernel that would make Input core show up?

firephoto · Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:33 am Post subject:

Unless you have multiple USB chipsets you shouldn't need both UHCI and OHCI but it probably isn't hurting anything either. It will say something when the kernel boots about what chipset your usb has.

I imaging it wants this in the kernel.

Thoom · n00b Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Stanford, CA

I checked, and in fact do have all of the required kernel modules. Also, I do indeed have all three USB chipsets in my system, though oddly enough, only three of my four or five reported USB cards have ports anywhere on the casing of my PC.

That aside, looking at /var/log/kernel/current brings something interesting to light.

Caustiq · n00b Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 57

Caustiq · n00b Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 57

I solved the problem. I believe the error was a result of both my keyboard and mouse using USB connections. I simply connected my keyboard with a USB to PS/2 adapter and I no longer recieved that error, and my mouse is functioning now on /dev/input/mice . Either the USB HID input layer can't handle 2 input devices, or there's a different bug altogether somewhere else. If you have a USB mouse, it stands to reason that my 'method' may resolve your issue, but I'm certain this is not the true solution.

Thoom · n00b Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Stanford, CA

Lord Bob · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 11:47 pm Post subject:

I have a little to add to this as well...

I got the same messages in my logs as Thoom when I tried to attach my new USB Logitech Dual Action Gamepad. I did a little testing with a few other kernels, and a little searching on the internet. I found that my gamepad works fine in 2.4.

I thought I would give Gentoo-Dev-2.6.7-r14 a try like Thoom, but it didn't like my nvidia card. So I went to 2.6.7 vanilla, and everything works once again.

I have noticed a few postings about that particular error and USB keyboards in the kernel archive... so people know about it. Hopefully it gets fixed, or maybe I can learn enough about USB to fix it myself... or I could be lazy and leave it to the professionals

[edit]Oh, oops:
I was running linux-2.6.8-gentoo-r3 On an Athlon-XP 2500+, nForce2 motherboard when I initially plugged in my gamepad. Vanilla 2.6.8.1 did not work either.
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jarkko · n00b Joined: 28 Jan 2004 Posts: 1

Hi,
I've also noticed some wierdness with the gentoo linux kernel 2.6.8 and USB keyboards. When i upgraded from linux-2.6.1-gentoo to linux-2.6.8-gentoo-r3 our computer fails to finishing booting properly. I.e. it just hangs after mounting root filesystem unless i keep hitting the keys on the USB keyboard.. What at problem.. Actually the init procedure doesn't continue unless i keep pressing any keys on the keyboard.. When the init process reaches something near where it's says "* Starting named.... [OK]" everything suddenly returns to normal and the system is in full speed again. This problem didn't exists with the previous kernel version..