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Function keys are special keys used for assigning program shortcuts and specialty tasks to the keyboard.
They are located at the top of most keyboards and labeled "F1" through "F12."
Some keyboards may only feature 10 function keys, while others may have as many as 18. These keys often go unutilized by the average computer user, but they may have very important tasks for some users, which can lead to problems when the keys do not respond.
Fixing nonresponsive or malfunctioning function keys is quite simple, and should only take a few minutes.

Connect your keyboard to your computer, and power it up.
Open a program that uses the function keys such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel. Check your keyboard for an "F-Lock" or "Function Lock" key.
This key is used to toggle function-key support; when it is toggled on, the function keys will not work.
Press the "F-Lock" key and then try using a function key in the selected program. "F1" is a good key to test, because it is set to open a "Help" document in all Microsoft software.
If the key does not work, press the "F-Lock" key a second time, and test the keys again.
If the keys still do not work and you are running the Windows 7 operating system, you may need to install a "hotfix" from Microsoft to fix the key functionality.
Navigate to the link entitled "Microsoft Support: Some Function Keys do not Work Correctly." (See Below.)
Some function keys or keyboard shortcuts do not work correctly on a computer that is running Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975741
Resolve unexpected Function (F1 - F12) or other special key behavior on a Microsoft keyboard
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894513
Click on "View and request hotfix downloads" located beneath the title of the article to access the Microsoft Hotfix database.
Agree to the terms and conditions, then download the hotfix.
When the download is finished, run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
You may need to restart your computer after the installation is complete.
Your function keys should now work properly.

Depend on the manufacture of the keyboard.. The disk that came with the keyboard will define each function keys setup .Different software use function keys to do specific function which is not the same for every programs. Game softwares will define each funcfuntion keys setup.

The keyboard has a feature (and associated button) called F-Lock. By default, when the computer boots, F-Lock is turned on. In the F-Lock mode, rather than sending the standard key commands for the function keys, the keyboard sends special alternate commands (like print for F7 and save for F8) that are configured in the iTouch program. In order to force the keyboard to send the standard function key commands, you must TURN OFF F-Lock by pressing the F-Lock button! Oh, and by the way, there are no indicator lights on the keyboard, and the F-Lock button is an always up momentary button - just like the keys on the keyboard, so there is no way to tell what state it is in, other than by pressing it and then pressing an F key to see what happens!

This should solve your problem. Just turn off the F-Lock Mode.
Hope this helps if it does please leave a comment or a vote.
Thanks JHH

The keyboard fix is easy, replace the keyboard, same for the battery.
Manual is here
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latc610/sm_en/index.htm
you can buy a keyboard here
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Keyboard-Dell-Latitude-C510-C540-C600-C610-C640-/170342472542?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item27a933db5e#ht_2468wt_1202
battery here
http://cgi.ebay.com/66WHR-Battery-Dell-Latitude-C500-510-C540-C600-C610-/280475115213?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Laptop_Batteries&hash=item414d9e9ecd#ht_2340wt_1734
S-Video on that model pretty much requires a direct S-Video to TV connection, then enable the TV in the Display properties. If you are trying to use an adapter, it will not work

Keyboard might have gone bad. Try hooking up a external keyboard and see if they work. If they don't then you have a motherboard issue. If they do then it is a keyboard issue. If you lucky it is just a keyboard then you can get one here for 20 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MMCJQY/?tag=ricksphotograpag1-20

It is really easy to replace.

go to start->settings->control panel and Double click on mouse icon and Uncheck switch primary and secondary buttons under Buttons tab. and Click apply and OK. now it will work fine

Go into Control Panel, Regional and Language Options, Languages Tab, Details Button, Change Default Input Language to English - US, and remove any Keyboards listed that are not English US. Most likely you have set a French Input as a default. Once chnages are made, log out of Windows and log back in.

it happens, even i have DELL 610 notebook that has some keys not working, the only option is to change the keyboad layout.....
in India all parts can be replaced/repaired but abroad is a different story....the reparing cost is equal to the new....just trash the laptop once it's life is thru....

Most programmes utilise keyboard shortcuts.
It says which key combinations will perform which command next to the options on the drop down menus when you click on file, edit, view, etc.
These shortcuts usually a letter key in combination with ctrl key, alt key , sometimes ctrl+shift.
Possibly you are pressing the ctrl key at same time when you press the shift key?

Hi

Check Keyboard Assembly on Dell Latitude C600 - http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latc600/sm_html/remove.htm#999019

Mike