I believe the person means trim the end of the ribbon and re-insert to make a fresh connection. If the keyboard is not working and may need replacing anyway, then what do you have to lose?
But you could first try downloading a new driver. The unit can be hard to get in to and there is also a 99% chance that the on switch will be smashed when putting back together, only to find that your d.i.y. snip it job didnt actually work! Find your local backstreet computer shop and let those guys sort it.