Option key stopped functioning

My option key just stopped functioning.  I was working on a project and it suddenly stopped and I cannot figure out how to make it work again.  I've plugged directly into the front of my Mac Pro and the rear and it still is not working. I feel like it's a function control that somehow got turned off but I cannot figure out how to turn it back on.  Any suggestions?  I'm running OS x 10.9.3

rosindabow wrote:
A couple of things.  There was no damage - nothing was spilled - all food and drink are kept away from this as this is my professional setup.  Also, the keys themselves feel fine.  They are not sticky or gunky - they feel exactly like the surrounding keys do - they just don't work.  And - might you know the answer to my other questions about compatibility?
Thanks.
For some reason I had thought this was a built-in keyboard - duh!
Keyboard compatibility is a matter of key mappings, and so long as you keep your OS up to date key mappings for most generic keyboards should be installed in the system. Keyboards are largely standardized: the biggest differences you're going to find are between keyboards built for different languages and keyboards built for Windows (where the control/option/command keys have a different ordering). You can poke through the Keyboard preferences pane of System Preferences, but I doubt you'll find much useful there.
Some high-end keyboards - notably Logitech keyboards; Logitech has a tendency to over-design things - have their own drivers and preference panels. You'll need to check the company website for your keyboard.
That being said, if the Z key is not working I'd lay my money on internal circuit damage, the most likely cause of which is liquid damage. Z is not a key that would be affected by internal settings. Even a small drop of sugary coffee can cause havoc, if you're unlucky, and who uses a computer without access to coffee? If also could be a bad unit - that does happen - so if it's less than a year old (or whatever the warrantee that came with it was) contact the seller or the company for an exchange.

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