upgraded and cannot log in

I have no idea why the passwords were lost but they can be reset see here

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LostPassword

And when a text box appears on the monitor screen reading "input not supported" after attempting the suggested steps what should I do?

Are you sure you are using the right keyboard layout? Check on the upper right corner of the screen.

Brilliant the bloody thing has allowed me to login. The gui contains no tool or status bar and the settings menu gives me no options on how to retrieve any applications, ie; web browsers, word processing, etc. I am effectively logged in to a rather large and unattractive paper weight. Next suggestion?

Upgrading from 10.04 to 12,04 the gui has changed a lot. The old menu bar has gone and been replaced by the dash this often hides its self when in use. Move your mouse over to the left hand edge of the screen near the top and it should appear.

Assuming it works get the feeling of the new interface. Many people like it many dont. If you dont it can be changed back to something thats not quite the same as the old one but a lot more similar. Let us know how you get on and if you want the old gui baick I'll tell you how to do it

That is great to know, but the dash shows up not at all and the settings box is un-closable or gets stuck on one set of settings and refuses to go back to the main settings menu. I tried turning on the "auto hide" setting for the dash setting it to the upper left corner and turning the sensitivity all the way up. I have no problem with a new interface provided that it actually works and allows my desktop to work. My problem is that this interface is not working at all. most definitely not in the manner described here.
I'm not sure I care about the old gui, I just want something that works.

So do I need to take the box out back shoot it and put it out of my misery or is there a second solution?

Assuming you have everything backed up I'd consider a fresh install