Vertical Speed knob not changing selection? Bug or a mod issue?

Actually the one issue that I keep having (especially in the Baron), is that when ATC tells me to descend, I hit VS, but the aqua indicator appears for a split second then disappears. I have to try it a few times and, if I’m lucky, the indicator will stay and I can use the down button. I don’t know what the secret is. I’ve tried turning off the Altitude Hold and then hitting VS hoping to make it work but it does the same thing.