SMK25 MIDI Keyboard Connectivity Fix

My SMK25 MIDI controller refuses to speak to my Windows PC inside Cakewalk, even though the keyboard powers on and appears to be sending data. I’m looking for step-by-step help to isolate and resolve the connectivity issue so the SMK25 is recognised as an active MIDI input in Cakewalk by BandLab.

Scope of work
• Diagnose why the SMK25 is not showing up (or drops out) in Windows Device Manager and in Cakewalk’s MIDI devices list
• Apply or replace the correct USB-MIDI driver if needed and confirm the keyboard stays enumerated after a reboot
• Walk me through any firmware, port, or cable checks that might block communication
• Verify final operation by recording a short MIDI clip in Cakewalk with no latency or stuck notes

I can share my screen over Zoom or TeamViewer and will follow your instructions live, so please be comfortable guiding a non-technical user remotely.

Acceptance criteria
1. The SMK25 appears consistently under Windows “Sound, video and game controllers” (or equivalent) with no warning icon.
2. Cakewalk detects the keyboard, allows it to be enabled, and records incoming MIDI.
3. All troubleshooting steps are documented in a short text file so I can replicate them if I change PCs.

If you’ve solved similar Windows + Cakewalk MIDI headaches before, I’m ready to get started as soon as possible.