mic/headphone port on side of laptop will not recognize mic when plugged in

The only sure way to check is get a wired mic that you know works and try it.
If it doesn't work, I'd remove / uninstall the device from device manager and re-install.

If that doesn't work, it's probably a hardware issue with the HP.

Any idea what the description of the device in device manager would be?

I will be under "Sound, video and game controllers", most likely, and will be the whole audio device.

The mic is not listed as an individual component, it's tied to the sound card. To reinstall the drivers, remote the audio device then re-scan or reboot.

You could try using the sound under the old control panel, to see if it detects the playback/recording device.

The suggestion about testing using a wired mic will achieve two thing, confirm whether it is a hardware issue eliminating the issue that the mic has not been muted ..

Wireless mic, suggest you plug in a Bluetooth or another type USB receiver for use with the mic?

look also if the wireless device is recognised in device manager - it may be in error

In addition to the above, please also check control panel -> sound dialog -> Recording Tab to see if your device gets listed when you plug it in... It may be that Windows is disabling it due to some device conflict or error.. in which case you can try re-enabling it and seeing if it works.
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"On all other laptops it recognizes and I am able to use it."

Do they have combined mic/headphone sockets or do they have a separate one for each? You may just need a splitter.

The port looks the same on each computer.  A combined mic/headphone port

Looks and is might be different in this case a splitter may help
I.e splitter A is mic B putput
On the Hp for one reason or another, the two are reversed.

The receiver, does it have a way to switch which is which?

no.  I used a corde mic and it does not work.  won't recognize.

Is there a usb device that will work as the port?

usually when you use a USB connected mic or Speaker it will present as either a speaker/mic or a combination.....if it is a speaker with a mic.

the issue and the suggestion about a splitter, is that it might be that the four prong banana might have the order reversed

i.e. speaker L/R ground plus the mic the order of them is ... the other possibility that deals with the HW is whether if you use the speaker whether it worked i.e. a three prong that shorted out the mic function....

Another option as covered in this thread, https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/HP-250-G6-issue-with-compatibility-of-stereo-headphones-and/td-p/6810152

The insertion of the mic is not sensed and thus not activated.
Possibly the mic input is too short or is being impeded from fully engaging...

I have tried 2 mics and a wireless lapel mic.  All three do not recognize.  I will try a USB adapter to mic port

The thread suggests the input detection/activation on the laptop you have might be a bit hard.
I.e. the detection relies on the latch closing, it might be the splitter route might have enough length to latch and thus activate...

Another possibility, though not sure the option .. i.e. when you insert anything, do you get prompted to confirm what was inserted? speakers or mic?

OK.  So it can't do it.  Can I use a usb to audio/mic port adapter?

USB is a peripheral and shoukd work make sure the USB adapter you are getting is suitable, supports your intended use.