Abacus

I have a basic keyboard controller (no sounds, just controller) which is connected to my Tascam 144 interface which is connected to my computer via USB.
When Kore Player is open, I press the keys on my controller and I see the midi meter moving in Kore, but I get no sounds coming from Kore.
Except for all the instrument choices which I can choose, the function buttons are all grayed out. Cannot use.
When I downloaded from Native Instruments they sent me a serial number which I loaded in Service Center. I thought I did everything right. Maybe I did something wrong.

thanks
In Kore all the function knobs are grayed out.