Keyboard doesn't respond - locks up?

I have a hp compaq notebook 700c and when I turn on my computer and go to the internet or my programs I can't use the keyboard unless I go into the control panel, system, device manager, click on the keyboard and then click on it again and then I can use the keyboard.....is there a fix to this?

I click on the keyboard and it goes to a - and then click again for the +
then I am able to use the keyboard.
I don't understand the workings of the computer, I just use it to stay in touch with my grandchildren and to work on my family tree maker, but I do need the keyboard for this.
Thanks for the help..