My A1243 keyboard special keys don't function

I have a Mac Pro and I just switched out my old wired keyboard (the one with the clear plastic casing) for the newer A1243 model, all sleek and aluminum and stuff. This includes the special functions for the function keys (volume control, expose, spaces, etc.) However, these don't work. They still do what I set them to do (F12 is dashboard, F11 All windows Exposé, etc.). And, before you say it, I've checked system preferences, and the box next to "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" is UNCHECKED. This isn't too much of a problem, except that I currently can't change my volume from the keyboard. Any way to solve the problem? Happy to give more info.

Alright, so assuming that for whatever reason there's no way I can make the Volume keys on my keyboard work to change the volume. How can I assign the unassigned function keys (so, f16, 17, 18, and 19) to be increase volume, decrease volume, and mute? I've found in the "Keyboard SHortcuts" section of the Keyboard and Mouse preference pane where you can assign new shortcuts, but I need the "exact name of the menu command" in order to do so. What can I put in there to be able to change the volume? I've tried "Increase Volume" "Increase System Volume" and "Mute" to no effect.
Thanks.

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Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard: Special Keys Don't Work

The keyboard has function keys that are programmed to perform special operations. The Apple website explicitly states:
“The extended layout has a full complement of keys, including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more.”
Unfortunately, two of these keys don’t work, even after a special software update is installed:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate11.html
The manual that comes with the keyboard provides instructions on how to program the keyboard, but those instructions either don’t work or are incorrect.
I've posted more about this and other keyboard issues here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

I am using a PowerMac Dual 2.5 GHz G5 system and had trouble with the F3 and F4 function keys. The various suggestions and instructions as provided on several of the discussion threads didn't work for me.
Here's what worked for me to resolve the problem:
1. Go here and download the Pacifist utility which helps in exploring installation packages:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12743
2. Go here and download the Apple OSX update for PowerPC:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdateppc.html
OR... get the version for Intel found here:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdatev11intel.html
3. Using the Pacifist utility, open the OSX Update dmg file you just downloaded. You will be able to navigate to /System/Library/Core Services. Click on Dock.app and click the install button. When it's uncompressed, it will ask if you would like to update or replace. Click replace. There is an option to repeat this response for all files. Complete the process and then exit the Pacifist utility program.
4. Go here and download the Apple Keyboard Software Update:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/firmware_hardware/keyboardsoftwareup date11.html
5. Install the Keyboard update and all functions should automatically work.
If the above steps resolve the problem for you, please click on the "Solved" button above. Thanks.
I've posted a lengthy review and support document for the new Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

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Picked up one of the awesome new keyboards tonight, installed keyboard update, rebooted, but the special keys (itunes, dashboard, etc) don't work.
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I have the same issue. Basically, after installing "Keyboard Update 1.1" the special keys above F1-F4 (Brightness, Expose and Dashboard) do not work. I have the keyboard plugged into a MacBook Pro and I expected the brightness keys to change the brightness on the MacBook Pro LCD. The iTunes play/pause and the volume keys work fine, but the previously mentioned ones do not.
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Put truly fresh batteries in the keyboard.
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I have an older imac (imac4.1?) with a new 2009 wireless keyboard and none of the special function keys work aka the volume keys eject and so on I have done everything I can think of it has OS X 10.6.2 snow leopard and they did not work with my older keyboard or older software I had assumed older software new keyboard when I put the new software on it will work it still dose not work and is very frustrating.
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As far as I know I do but just in case if I had the wrong one selected how would I change it to the one I have?

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Posting this in PowerMac G5 and OSX Tiger as I am not sure if it is a hardware or software issue.
I just recently bought a new aluminium apple keyboard and am very very happy. EXCEPT:
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This problem has existed for many months on my 2009 Mac Pro. I'm running 10.6.3. The problem is reproducible 100% of the time. I use external speakers. Sound output is set to "Line Out."
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wrote this in another thread, but it is relevant here, too.
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My A1243 keyboard special keys don't function

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