This is a new to me problem never experienced before with several years of use. Mic is no longer recognized and a Sounds Refresh brings up an error message. 

Well apparently I can't post a screenshot directly from my PC and I don't use any online services for images but it is a long error message starting with

"Error in RefreshSoundinputDevices:" and ending with "DispatcherPriority priority, CancellationToken cancellationToken, TimeSpan timeout) at System.Windows,Threadin,Dispatcher,Invoke(Action callback) at P2ADataLinq.AppSettings.RefreshSoundInputDevices()"

Any help appreciated.

Just as this problem appeared out of nowhere, it has resolved itself the same way. I have no idea what the cause was but likely hardware issue as I've been adding some peripherals such as the Buttkicker and also some software that interfaces with the PC sound system so that was likely the cause.