Windows 7: wmp buttons keyboard shortcuts

Is there a way to assign keys for wmp ie play/pause, next track/prev track. i ask as its a feature i got used to with my previous Microsoft keyboard that had built in wmp buttons.
annoyingly my f5-f8 buttons have play /pause stop fw back on them but don't operate wmp not sure why they are labeled.
my keyboard is a wireless Hewlett Packard KG-0851

You have the driver for the keyboard installed? I Googled that model number and found here,

Re: Volume control keys not functioning. PC model: s5268hk, ... - HP Support Forum

that links to this driver for it,

HP Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update HP Pavilion Slimline s5268hk Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

thanks stormy, the volume buttons work fine so im assuming my drivers are fine im wondering if the f5-f8 buttons are used in the hp movie and music bloat/software that came with the pc

That could very well be it, and if it is the only way to get hem to work is to install the bloatware.

P.S. Do you have to use the HP keyboard? Still have the old Microsoft keyboard? If not look for another one or one similar that has the functions you want.

I use the controls of the WMP window (even the minimized one) for those functions. Does that not work for you?

yeah ,still got the old keyboard ,i guess as its a shiney new kboard and wireless i wanted to use , also its a wireless mouse so if i use a different kboard then its going to use an extra usb port and as i have external hdrives am short of ports and dont want to use a hub for keyboard ! daft i know but we get used to doing /having things a certain way perhaps i'll have a play around see if i cant figure out a way ,this pc doesnt have ports for mouse or keyboard, thanks anyway stormy for your input.

whs .actually my little daughter used the keyb shorts because she could pause her movies easily ! and its handy to change a music track quickly when your busy in other progs etc . and also when there are shorts printed on the actual keyboard i wanted them to do as they are supposed or hint at. thanks for your intrest though!

OK, understand. Lots of luck.