Hold switch can get physically stuck in hold on occasion.
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
My old 5th gen iPod was sitting on a laundry shelf under some towels for a few years. I found it recently and every now again when I turn the slider from unlocked to hold, it will get stuck. Not that it won’t move, but it gets so close to the side that it’s hard to get a fingernail in there or slide it with my finger. I think some very carefully applied WD-40 may work but if anyone else has a suggestion I’ll gladly take it.