Keyboard problem-sudden refusal to properly record key strokes

My wife's iMac 1.6 (running 10.4.3) has suddenly refused to properly reflect keystrokes for the 3, e, d, c, 6, y, h, n, -, [ and n keys (a partial list, there may be more, I stopped counting but most of the rest seem to still work ok). It has also stopped recording the use of the "command key" (i.e., can't command/stroke anything). The mouse works ok and she promises me she didn't spill anything on it. She informs me that this all started right after she was burning a CD, there was some "odd noise" and she rebooted the machine. Doesn't seem like that should be related, but it's the only abnormal event she reports.
I've tried to play around with the International/Input Menu preferences and mixed/matched all different combinations of "US' "US Extended" and the "Character Palette" togles with no apparent effect.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
G4 Mac OS X (10.4.4) 400 MHz Sawtooth, 832 Meg ram

Has the water cooler moved here - LOL!
"I'm so jealous, he gets all the shiny new toys and Level 4!!! And a golden key!!!"
Don't forget the Guinness!
"a very green Miriam "
Well, Miriam, you are next to the Green Mountain State.
(Sorry that was so lame of me)

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