Q: notifications not working for messages and emails etc

Hello reikiwillie, 

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. 

I see that you are having issues with the sounds on your notifications. I have a couple of things to check.

While it may seem simplistic, this is often the volume being turned down or the phone is muted. Check the items in this article:

If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker

Second, restart your iPhone and test. If it still isn't working, try a force restart.

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Finally, you can restore your iPhone:

Use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings

Once you have restored your iPhone and tested, if it is working you can then restore it from backup. 

Best regards. 

Hi Bill,

LOL, I am right there with you regarding the old age setting in. Glad it got sorted out. You wouldn't believe how many times that mute switch has frustrated someone, myself included. Too often it's the simple things and those are the ones that usually get overlooked. 

Have a great day.