The Virpil has a removable handle correct? You havent flown in a while so maybe the connections between the handle and the base are crappy. Un screw the handle, clean the contacts with an electronics type cleaner. Worst comes to worst you can use a good grade of iso-pro alcohol. Be sure all conntacts are clean and all spring mounted pins/plates are free for movement and clean as well. Reconnect the stick to the base and tighten down and retest.
Button pushes are all in the handle, axises are all in the base except for rotaries and such that you might have on the handles.