If I leave my computer for awhile and come back an hour or so later, the keyboard no longer works. I can type away, but nothing shows up unless I reboot.

I'm using Mandriva 2006. The keyboard is a generic Compaq keyboard that came with my Presario.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this or how I could resolve it?

Some thoughts, any possability the keyboard is being locked by software?

The other thought is swap the keyboard and see if it is a hardware issue. Try unplugging the keyboard and re-plugging it when it is locked out. Can you move the mouse pointer when it locks up?

I have a Compaq Presario also. It appeared to lock out the keyboard also. Took some time for me to discover it was the touch pad causing the problem. I get a USB mouse and stopped using the touchpad. I guess I could have bought a new touchpad. It was easier to use the USB mouse.

I had the same problem with IBM USB connected keyboard. I just changed USB port, that seems to 'fix' it.

Thanks for the suggestions. My keyboard is a USB keyboard. I tried switching USB ports after it locked out but it didn't make a difference. I use a logitech wireless mouse, not USB, so I don't think it would have much of an impact on the keyboard. I never had any issue with the keyboard under Windows, so I don't think it's a problem with the keyboard per se.

Any other suggestions?