Notebook Audio

I've been researching this for quite a while and haven't found an answer yet.  Common issue where the built-in mic in my Envy x360 (15m-bp111dx) laptop won't pick up any sound.  It will register tapping on the lid or anywhere that causes vibration in the laptop (e.g. knocking on the table that the laptop is on). 

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drives many times.  I've tried the latest ones downloaded from HP. I've tried the ones that come with Windows Update.  I've even found some newer MS-based Realtek drivers based on info over on Tenforums.com.  I've messed with all my privacy settings, maxed out the mic boost and volume, tried multiple apps to test. 

The troubleshooter says everything is fine.  There are no mic-specific tests in the UEFI diagnostics at boot.  Everything I've read seems to point to a software/driver issue since it passes the tap test, but I haven't ever found an actual solution other than getting a new laptop.  I had thought of buying a new webcam/mic replacement part, but the webcam works fine and as mentioned the mics pass the tap test, so I don't know that getting a replacement will do anything.  It almost feels like a privacy thing that won't allow it to pick up sound.  Either that or they're just extremely lousy mics that can't pick up sound waves, only vibrations.

To be honest, I can't recall if/when the mic ever worked as I generally use my bluetooth headphones when I do meetings and whatnot, but I've been trying to do some group things recently with the whole COVID-19 stuff, which requires a shareable mic.  Warranty expired last year, so I can't go that route.  

Any help would be appreciated.