hi... I'm using a hp laptop.. I have problem with the keys.. when I press & it displays ^,* as &,( as *,) as ( and so on... other than that the numbers and characters are displayed correctly.
what should I do.. should I reinstall my hardware drivers or change any settings in control panel?please help..!

The keyboard's language is just wrong,

To change it:
XP
Control Panel - > Regional and Language Options -> Languages(TAB) -> Click Details
Now, click Add. Change the input language to English US. Click OK.
Now click on the non-us keyboard and click remove.
Apply and OK.

Vista
Control Panel - > Regional and Language Options -> Change Keyboard Language.
Now, click Add. Change the input language to English US. Click OK.
Now click on the non-us keyboard and click remove.
Apply and OK.

Good luck :)
Grant