Actually, while there is a 2.99U, I don't think it's up on the site; I think 2.98 is the latest on the site, at least that I can find. John, you're sure that you aren't being brought up in Xwindows; I know you mentioned checking whether you are in a text console, but double check. What happens when you try to change consoles with alt-function key if you're on 1 then try f2 for instance). (on my keyboard with its current map that has to be the left alt). I could be totally wrong, but I think this maybe something in your system's interaction with brltty and not just a brltty problem.