Hi Ray, you've bailed me out before and hope you can again. For the past 6 months or so, whenever I boot or re-boot, I have to do it twice because, on the first time, my keyboard doesn't work. I am using a USB board and have tried more that one. I've also upgraded from XP Prp to XP Pro 64 bit since this problem started but it still happens. I assume it's something in the bios but can't find anything there listed there. Very frustrating. Whenever Windows loads, the first thing I do is to hit the "Windows key + E" to see if Explorer loads.    

The only suggestions I have are to reinstall the keyboard (if it came with an installation CD) and plugging it in a different port if you are plugging it in the USB ports.  If you are not plugging it into the USB ports and not the keyboard port, you should be able to get an adapter (USB to PS/2) and plug it in the keyboard port.  I don't know if that will help or not.

Thanks for trying but it didn't help. You don't miss very often and having to re-boot twice to get the keyboard to work is a small inconvenience.  So Thanks again!!!

I have had this happen. There are a number of elements to check.
First, check your BIOS setup, usually by pressing <Del> or <F2> during startup. (A notice on the bottom of your screen during bootup should tell you what key to press.) Does it have a setting for detecting USB components? If it has a setting similar to my computers, it is 'Legacy?' Set to 'enable.' Most keyboards I have are USB 1.1 devices.

Second, check your Settings>ControlPanel>System>Hardware>Device Manager. Look for the Keyboard listing and expand. Is there another keyboard listed? If so, Uninstall. Then click on 'Action' and 'Scan for hardware changes.' This should result in recognizing your keyboard, and allow normal startup.

Third, if this doesn't work, find the installation CD or download installations files and re-install your keyboard (as suggested by Ray).

Thanks quinland for your reply. Unfortunately, I've tried all of those already with no results. But, even if one of those things were true, I can't understand why it wouldn't work on the FIRST re-boot but WILL on the second one. Thanks again!!