installed non-factory version of Vista now can't get keyboard working

What do you mean non-factory? retail version?

Have you plugged in another keyboard ? Is it USB or PS2 connection? There is not enough information to work from.

How did you install if the keyboard was not functional??

check for errors in device manager, and update the driver of the keyboard

I have a Sony Vaio notebook and the Vista CD I used for install came with my desktop.  Sony doesn't ship CDs with systems.  The keyboard attaches via a ribbon cable.  The device manager states that the keyboard is installed and working properly, I think that is why I could install the OS without difficulty.  But I am wondering if its a software issue...  I uninstalled the keyboard driver and it reinstalled on reboot.  No matter what I do, nothing appears when I type.

I did need to remove the keyboard as this OS installation was due to a new HD and RAM upgrade.  Maybe the keyboard is damaged?  But if so then I think the OS would not have installed...

does the keyboard work if you boot from a live cd , like knoppix :
ftp://ftp.uni-kl.de/pub/linux/knoppix/KNOPPIX_V5.1.0CD-2006-12-30-EN.iso
or in the bios ?

OK.  Thank you for your suggestions.  The Keyboard wouldn't work booting from a live CD.  Interestingly, with my Sony and Vista OS I have no problem booting without a keyboard at all.  

I did some snooping at the place where my keyboards ribbon cable connects to the motherboard.  There is a small clamp that wedges the cable into place and holds it.  It was broken and not holding the cable firmly in place.  I was able to manually hold the cable in place and utilize my entire keyboard and thought I could secure it in place MacGyver style.  Once I got the ribbon into place I discovered the I needed to place downward pressure on the cable anywhere within 3cm of the connection in order for the keyboard to work fully.  I need to fix it.  

Since the clip that holds the cable in is broken I'm assuming the keyboard itself is OK.  But where to I get a clip?  I don't even know what to call it.  I found an image (attached) that looks very similar.  The clip itself is black and the portion connected to the motherboard is tan.  Any idea where I can purchase it?

asus-u2e-dissect-keyboard.jpg

Just to clarify... the ribbon connection I am talking about in this image is the one just below the DIMM module.  And one other thing- the clip is part of the portion connected to the mother board, not connect to the cable.  

Years ago it was fashionable to glue IDE cables in place at both ends to secure them in transit.  The glue used appeared to be some form of UPVA adhesive. It often made removing cables difficult - so it clearly worked up to a point.
Could this be a solution?  

(NB.  I want to stress that I have never done this, never met anyone who has done this, and never read about or heard about anyone who has done this. I am simply offering this as a strategy to consider, as an alternative to attempting to replace the entire motherboard.  Please be aware that I am not suggesting that you introduce glue into the innards of your laptop - I am suggesting that you could consider the viability of such an approach...)

The piece that is broken sounds like it does the same job as a ZIF connector but it is hinged, light weight black plastic that hooks onto each side and pulls out and up out of the part soldered to the motherboard.  First you insert the ribbon and then this hinged part is inserted to pull the cable in and secure it.  I think it needs this specific part in order to work.  I'd be crazy enough to glue but I don't think it will provide the 'pressure' needed for the cable to function correctly.  

sorry >>  normally you cannot replace it