No input/output devices recognized

I've had this issue on and off. In the past, it has simply resolved itself randomly. Hoping to find a more permanent solution.

I am unable to use built-in speakers or microphone on my Mac, and when I go to system preferences>sound, no input or output devices appear listed. When I plug headphones into the headphone jack, the computer does not recognize these either. However, when I use Bluetooth headphones this does work.

I spoke with Apple on the phone and they had me reset Pram and try starting in safety mode. Finally stated up in diagnostic mode and got the error VFF001 as a hardware issue. They said I'd have to take it in to an apple store and spend probably hundreds on it, which is a lot for a nearly 7 yo computer.

Since then I've also tried reseting SMC, but no luck.

Heard this may be an I/O board issue. Any thoughts??

Thanks in advance