Unable to make selection on Boot Screen (B&W)

After power failure, when I turn on the computer, I see the prompt screen (B&W) where I could choose to start in Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Network, Start normally, etc. But lately, the keyboard doesn't respond during this 20 second delay, so I can't use the up/down arrow keys to select, or even the "Enter" key to choose "Start Windows normally". After 20 seconds, Windows starts normally (by default), and the keyboard is fine. I've never had this issue before. It's only about two weeks since I noticed it. It's an HP PC with wireless KB and Mouse.

Plug in a wired keyboard and mouse, and try it again.

I don't have a wired keyboard. However, this keyboard works fine once Windows has booted. Also, this same (wireless) keyboard has always worked in the past to select on the boot menu screen as well.

Any other suggestions, anyone?

Somewhere there has to be a solution. Why when this has always worked before, and now has stopped, something MUST have changed. Since I can't boot into safe mode, I will not be able to solve it, so I'll have to consider it "solved" and live with it.

Anyone know of any other Windows 7 forums where I might find a solution?

You can pick up a cheap USB keyboard for around $10 at Walgreens, Walmart, etc.

Why can't anyone mention what the "proper settings" are in the BIOS? Suggesting it is fine, but it doesn't really help me if I don't know what those settings should be.

Go to BIOS and choose "Load Default Settings" or similar. They should work. If this doesn't work for you, try a new keyboard.