Hi, and welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.
Re: "My pause/play, skip/rewind buttons no longer work".
You may want to check that there is no speck of wax or dirt blocking anything:
Cleaning AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods - Apple Support
You might want to reset your AirPods, then see if that has helped:
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support
Else:
Wondering if anything in Apple support's online article can help:
(Eg: You may want to check the various settings, and try the different modes again):
Pause, skip, and adjust volume with your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support
also:
Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support
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Wondering if your phone has the newest update installed, so that the AirPods firmware automatically updates.
You can check the firmware version on the AirPods: (AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Gen, should have version: 5E135)
About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support
says:
To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date,
make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button next to the name of your AirPods.
Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.
Firmware updates automatically when AirPods are connected to iPhone with the latest iOS Version (currently iOS 16.6), (eg: leave connected to power overnight with the iPhone close by) or to a Mac updated to the latest MacOS (ie: Ventura 13.5.1).
More info. If needed:
AirPods Support Website:
Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods....
AirPods Support - Official Apple Support
All the best :-)