Cannot type password on my logon screen

[diemme]

I have a Dell Inspiron N5010 running windows 7. After a reboot the cursor is blinking in the password field but I am unable to type anything. The cursor blinks but won't move and the arrow is frozen on the screen. I've tried the disable keypad function, I've rebooted in safe mode, unplugged, removed the battery with no luck. In the "Windows Error Recovery" screen I can use the arrow keys and enter but that's it. Strangely, the brightness keys still work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lehnerus2000]

1. Try checking your BIOS/EFI settings.
2. Can you login if you attach an external keyboard/mouse?
3. Try disconnecting any external devices when you are booting. My laptop won't start (crashes) if I have an external monitor connected.

 

[diemme]

I did try using an external keyboard and mouse with no luck. (I knew I'd forgotten something in my post) Nothing is attached to my laptop currently.

Umm, not sure how to do that. I read some fixes that involved pressing F8 but nothing happened and the Error Recovery page loaded.