Put a different OS on a micro-SD card. Boot that and see what happens.
On these devices there is certainly the possibility of hardware damage if stored in a drawer. The battery can puff up and cause mechanical damage. I've had it happen. I haven't had damage to the keyboard but I can see how it could happen. I don't suspect this is your issue though.
In any case if you get to a point where you give up on it please don't "recycle" it. There are many of us here who would jump at the opportunity to try to fix it.
On these devices there is certainly the possibility of hardware damage if stored in a drawer. The battery can puff up and cause mechanical damage. I've had it happen. I haven't had damage to the keyboard but I can see how it could happen. I don't suspect this is your issue though.
In any case if you get to a point where you give up on it please don't "recycle" it. There are many of us here who would jump at the opportunity to try to fix it.
:wq
