Problem Solved just in case someone else has this problem. Troubleshooting lead me to first an unnecessary reinstall of the game (save your old settings folder if you ever reinstall)
...problem turned out to be a failing USB footswitch which I didnt use anyway, I started by unplugging all USB devices and AH ran just fine, plugging back in devices one at a time exposed the culprit (the foot switch). After that I disconnected then replaced my settings folder in the new installation with my old folder and Bingo it all works now.
