According to one of my reviewers, the Orange key isn't detected on Pre 1.4.5 machines (so that numbers can be entered with DDgui)... It does work on 2.x though.
Perhaps the "orange" key functions differently on a Pre to a Pre2? I have to say though that I prefer the grey "orange" key on dev phones. :)
as it works on 2.1, I think there's nothing I can do.
It seems to me that 1.4.5 is really not a great thing. A true shame, as the 2.x versions are totally awesome IMO.