G4: pc80 keyboard driver needs AltiVec CPU???

I have purchased an Edirol (Roland) PC80 usb/midi keyboard controller. They have OS/X drivers but upon install, installer requires AltiVec CPU.

How can I get the controller to work with my powermac?

Is there an alternative to using the manufacture drivers requiring CPU with AltiVec? What is AltiVec? And why would a controller require AltiVec?

According to some searching, it appears G4's had AltiVec since 1998. Is there some work around or is there some activating needed on the G4?

Its always active so unless there is some major problem with the CPU or the OSX install, it should work.
You should try repairing the permissions, perhaps that will fix the problem.

re

Not sure what you mean by permissions. Are there system files associated with the AltiVec that need permissions changed? The G4 is running OS/X Tiger.

I get the same problem with my G4 powerbook as well.

p.s.
I thought I had the lowest mac spec.

Is this the driver you downloaded/installed for Tiger:-

Instrumentpro Blog » Edirol Supporting Mac OS X

To Repair Permissions go to Utilities and select Disk Utility, and ion the left you will see the Repair Permissions pane. Repair Permissions befoe and after installing software if you are having problems.

I downloaded the OS/X driver listed:
EDIROL PC-80 MIDI Keyboard Controller :: Download

I'll try repair permissions tonight. Thanx

Tried that and still can't get the installer to install.

I put the keyboard on sale on craigslist. Any suggestions for keyboards in the $100-150 price range that are known to work on G4 macs?

USB keyboard will work on a G4. Look at eBay as a starter.