Webcam Not Working - HP Desktop (HP Pavilion All-in-One)

[CatAnn]

Hey - I have tried everything I can find online and can't get my webcam to work. This is only since January 2023. 

Here is the problem and relevant details: My HP desktop recognizes my built-in webcam when it is closed but when I lift the built-in webcam and slide it up - in settings, my camera is suddenly gone. As if I have no cameras installs. Likewise, in Device Manager, I have tried updating the driver, uninstalling, etc. and nothing works. In Device Manager, while the webcam is closed, it shows up - when it is open, I have to click view and click show hidden devices and then the camera shows up in a transparent way. I even went though a video on youtube (HP Webcam Not Working in Windows 11 [2023 Tutorial] by TechFixIT) and did every single suggestion (including downloading Windows 11 Media Update) and nothing works. 

Ultimately, this is really impacting my work, etc. because I cannot use zoom or anything for video. As a poor substitute, I have been using my phone but this is not the same at all and not great quality at all. I am starting to think I will need to buy a new webcam but it really irks me that I already have one built-in but my computer won't recognize it. 

I'd really appreciate if someone has a fix for this. I don't have warranty coverage so it doesn't seem like I can get any help from HP (even though this is likely their fault from one of their updates). As much as I appreciate replies, please, if you will respond, do not reply with something I have already tried (above and in the youtube video). I really don't appreciate comments that will waste my time by suggesting things like, "Uhm, have you tried turning it off and on again?" I already did the update driver through Device Manager. I tried to uninstall the camera. I have downloaded every update, etc. 

Please give some new suggestions I can try!