Do you have the original Windows copy installed, the one that came with the laptop initially? Or have you upgraded? Do you have the manufacturer utility software installed? In my case, brightness wouldn't work until I upgraded BIOS (I upgraded from Vista to 7), and until I installed the Toshiba Value Added Package thing (special software from Toshiba). Do other Fn key combinations work? Fn+F6/F7 ever worked? (in my case that is how I can adjust brightness using keys).
We need more details.