Stuck laptop key

Slicer

I have a Gateway M460 laptop, and the "a" key seems to have gotten stuck. It's in the position where it looks like it's being pushed down, and it occasionally registers. I've tried prying it upward, but it goes back down most of the time, and even if I do succeed in prying it back, it doesn't take much effort for it to get stuck again.

It doesn't seem like I can safely pry the key off the keyboard to see what's causing it to stick, though if anyone knows that I can safely do that with this model, it would be great.

Any suggestions?

theclam

Every laptop I've ever seen has let you take keys off. You may have to use more force than you're comfortable with, though.

Slicer

I managed to get the key removed, cleaned the area around the key, and put the key on and still had the problem. So I took it off again, cleaned it some more, and a tiny black nub fell out while cleaning. It seems this nub is important, as after putting my key back on it couldn't push down enough.

Anyone have any advice for putting it back on? I've had no luck with tweezers.

EDIT: Managed to get it back on and the key works slightly better, but it still gets stuck. I'll probably go out and get some canned air tomorrow and see if that works.

EDIT 2: Seems I didn't get it back on right, as there's not much "spring" in the key and it isn't elevated as high as it should be.

vabunuc

how old is the laptop? had the same prob with a dell and while it was under warranty called them and they sent a new keyboard.

Even if the warranty is up you might be able to purchase a replacement from them.

Slicer

It's about 4 years old and I'm not sure if it's still covered under warranty, though I'll be sure to check that out tomorrow.