Can't type queries

Hello,
   I have installed the latest stable version of ion3 (ion-3-20081002
tarball) on my dell xps notebook. I am able to use all the key
bindings, but am not able to type into queries. So pressing F3 prompts
for a command, but typing does not produce any string. Same is the
case with other keys like F4 and F5.

 I did a grep on the mail archives and found that a similar issue was
reported last year. Tuomov had replied saying that there could have
been a problem translating the keystrokes to strings. Has there been a
fix found for this issue. A peculiar fact is that the issue listed in
the mail archive was also reported on a notebook (thinkpad). I have
installed ion on PC's and have never come across this issue. Do i need
to tweak some X settings to get this working.

--
sughosh