hp laptop keyboard not working

[buddyclm]

I have a HP Pavilion ze4300 laptop.  Everything was working normal and then one day I turned on the laptop and the computer keeps going straight into the system setup.  Once that screen opens I can't do anything, the keyboard doesn't work.  I plugged in a PS/2 keyboard and turn the computer back on, and it boots into Windows like it should.  I ordered a new keyboard for the laptop and when it came in, I installed it with the same results, booting straight into system setup and keyboard not working.  However, now, if I plug in an external keyboard, it only works about half the time now.  Does it sound like a bad motherboard or another issue?

[Geek-9pm]

No, it is the ribbon connector.

[buddyclm]

New keyboard came with new ribbon cable. Ps/2 keyboard doesn't use ribbon cable.

[jason2074]

Does it sound like a bad motherboard or another issue?

Did you try going to BIOS utility setup when using a PS/2 keyboard and load defaults? Can you try replacing the CMOS battery?

[buddyclm]

I did reset the defaults in BIOS with the PS/2 keyboard and it didn't change anything.  I haven't replaced the CMOS battery

[patio]

With both 2 internals and 1 external only working 1/2 the time i'd certainly suspect the MBoard...
It can be tested at a shop but make sure to get a price 1st.