Problems With the Apple MacBook Keyboard That Is Locked
The MacBook computer is a laptop that's composed of many different hardware parts, including a keyboard. When your MacBook keyboard locks up on you and becomes unresponsive, it makes it unusable, and can interfere with your work or entertainment. There are several possible causes for your MacBook keyboard becoming locked up, including both software and hardware issues.
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Low Battery
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According to Apple's troubleshooting support page, one simple problem that could be causing your MacBook keyboard to lock up is a low battery. If the battery is low, the computer won't receive enough power to operate the keyboard, even if the monitor is still working. Apple computers normally alert the user that the battery is low, but if the user is running a full-screen application, the low battery notification won't appear. Make sure that your computer is connected to a working outlet with a MacBook compatible charger.
Outdated OS
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Operating systems are responsible for sending communications back and forth between the computer's CPU (central processing unit) and its hardware devices. If your OS is outdated, then the communications between itself and your keyboard will misfire. In the instance of an outdated OS, your operating system may not recognize the proper communications being sent from your keyboard, or it may not recognize its presence at all. Update your OS to Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later to fix your keyboard issue.
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Defective Firmware
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Firmware is basically software that's permanently written onto hardware devices. It's not intended to be altered, but it can be updated by the device manufacturer. According to Apple, the firmware that was originally written on some MacBook keyboards may cause the devices to become unresponsive -- sometimes this even occurs after an OS update. Apple released the MacBook Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0 to resolve this issue. You can download it from Apple's website.
Getting It Serviced
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If you've checked your battery power, updated your OS and updated your keyboard firmware to no avail, then you may have a more deep set hardware issue. Your keyboard may need to be replaced, which can be done at the Apple Store. Don't attempt to replace the keyboard yourself unless you're an expert in technology hardware. If your MacBook is still under warranty, you may be able to get it fixed for free at the Apple Store. Otherwise, you can take it in to a local computer repair shop, which may charge less than the Apple Store (which is known to be expensive).
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