keyboard layout problem Aspire one d257 netbook Xubuntu, Lubuntu 12.10

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i have a Acer Aspire One d257 Netbook with lubuntu 12.10 as the origional install and xubuntu-desktop metapackage installed.
all is well except the keyboard mapping... the left shift key only works with some keys, the right doesn't work at all.

acer's specs say that I have " 86-/87-/91-key Acer FineTip keyboard " as the input device.

i cannot find this option for the keyboard layout for either lubuntu 12.10 or xubuntu 12.10

switching form US to other languages does not help at all.

does anyone know how I can fix my keyboard bindings?

[cblxub]

i have since tested linux mint 14 -MATE and xubuntu 12.04.2 on ubs and i have the exact same problem.
no numbersign no shift i,e, or y. the right shift is not working at all.
i am presuming i have a hardware or driver issue, now.