Windows 11 volume slider problem

Hi, I'm experiencing a frustrating issue with the volume mixer on Windows 11 where I can't adjust the volume by moving the slider up or down. When I utilize Media Player, the volume control slider functions. I should also mention that I can't mute the sound; it continuously plays at a constant volume.

Check post 31 to see if it fixes your slider

I'm having the same issue. The "master" or "default" volume control, is non-functional unless I take the level to 0, then it mutes. I have to open the mixer and adjust the level of the individual app's volume. This is unacceptable and after using windows since 3.1, it's never had this problem.
The crazy steps I've seen people mentioning are way too arcane. Yes, I've rebooted. Yes, I've checked my output devices. It's a problem in the audio mixer app, I suppose. Windows can't leave anything alone that's worked for decades, they try to be Apple at every turn and make life difficult. I tried to log into microsoft with my work microsoft ID and it tells me that account doesn't exist. My hatred for Microsoft is complete. BUT I'd really like to have my volume work without digging down a few levels.

Maybe some software has exclusive access to the audio device? If a program has exclusive access the volume slider does not work.