I am always amazed/perplexed by comments that say: 'I can't get Linux to work on my system.'
I have been using Linux (without Windows) since 2006. I have installed it on four personal laptops, from Dell, Lenovo, Averatec and LinuxCertified. I installed, or assisted installing Linux on many other laptops (and desktops, too). I can vouch for the successful installation with the distros of the Debian strain, Mint (my distro of choice for the past 4+years), Ubuntu, Bodhi, Kubuntu, etc. These have all installed and identified and used all hardware, keyboard extra inputs and accessories.
I know there are hardware manufacturers who do not support Linux. This is not Linux's problem, specifically, but it seems to be when it is YOUR hardware! So please try Mint, Bodhi, a new up-and-comer, Zorin for a better chance at your hardware problems.