Trouble with Windows XP startup

Hey guys. So my old computer runs XP. Last night, I had a black out and today, when I try to run the Windows, it prompts me to that screen where I get to select to start windows Normally, In Safe mode with networking etc. The thing is, my keyboard's arrows (up and down) are not functioning, even though it says on the screen to use them to navigate to the choice I like. So the problem is, I cannot start the computer in safe mode. Any suggestions please? I am not sure if it's a virus or something, I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

Note: I have a USB keyboard, as my PC does not support the other kind. It just has USB ports.

Tried other USB ports on your computer?

Does any of the other buttons work, enter or during boot the F keys?

Yes, I tried different USB ports and still the same. The only keys I am able to press seem to be the F's buyt then again, when a new menu pops up (I tried F12) I still cannot use the arrows or enter or exit even, leaving me stuck. Any other suggestion please?

Well it shows the screen where I get to choose whether to start normally or not, but I cannot navigate to safe mode. So when the 30 seconds pass, it automatically selects the highlighted choice, which by default is to start normally. Then, it takes me back to that screen again after the Windows logo and another black screen where I can only press the F buttons and Del. It's a loop.

Well I spoke with some PC Tech gurus here in Athens and now I am currently having it fixed. He told me that he might need to re-install the windows since Safe Mode cannot be accessed. He said though he'll try to access Safe mode, in which if he succeeds, then the damage will be repaired without having to re-install. Too bad though I will have to wait until Monday-Tuesday for it to be fixed, since now we are ahead of the weekend and they do not work.

Hi there,

Have you tried to use a different keyboard?

//EDIT

Or try turning on "NumLock" on your keyboard and then use the numpad arrows.

The truth is I hadn't tried the NumLock but I think it wouldn't work since I tried the NumLock alone and the flash did not turn on on the keyboard. And yes, I tried another one but still nothing.

I was looking at some gaming keyboards this weekend, and the reviews on some was they were unabled to be used in BIOS/startup, since they needed drivers to actually run, which aren't loaded till during startup, which how-ever could be edited in BIOS to use it, but unsure how much work it would be.

You a PS/2 for safe mode etc. I keep my old keyboard plugged in to that when I need to do something in Safe mode of BIOS since USB drivers aren't loaded when booting into safe mode like options.(I could be wrong) but if your keys are still not working then the circuit is dead. Happened to me on an old 433 gateway running XP Home. Paid 60 for a MS ergo and 3 months later bam stopped working.