Issue with key backlighting

[SteveJobs2.0]

I have an issue with my backlight keys in Mountain Lion. Specifically, I find that I sometimes cannot change the key backlight. When I press on the keys to increase or decrease the backlight I get an icon showing that it cannot be done. Anybody else experience this? Usually restarting the system resolves this but it is worrisome and annoying.

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

Ok, never mind, it's the light sensor preventing me from doing it. It works fine when I cover it up with my hand. One annoying issue is the fact that in windows keys always get reset to highest brightness after restating the system.