Vuescan worked for me - and is free to try it out (with watermarked scans). Cost is minimal compared with the time I have wasted for good advice here and with no helpful advice at all from Epson ("Try switching on-and off" "Try unplugging the USB").
Thank you spapakons - that is checked as 100% and no change.
Thank you BOBKN - I tried Vuescan and after installation as soon as their startup screen was loading up the scanner woke-up and started buzzing. For information their product is quick to install - entirely self contained, works...
I have the same problem - since Win11 I have lost the preview and scan buttons. I cannot get them to reappear by clicking all around. Have spent an hour (at some telephonic expense) with a helpful support assistant from Epson who confirmed (after taking me through all the above download options...