Line-in Visible but Inactive?

Initially when I setup Cubase 7, I went through and had everything setup and working, AND I successfully tested everything out in a mix. I’m a set-it-and-forget-it kind of guy, so, I don’t make a habit of changing anything if it works. Now suddenly my Line-in shows as inactive. Under the device console the only option I have is to make it visible or not. I know the input works because I can hear the sound coming through it. And the device is active on the ASIO console. …so what gives? Why does Cubase no longer activate my line-in?
Any ideas as to how to fix this?

Running Windows 7 64-bit, 64-bit Cubase 7 installation, generic integrated RealTek sound card.

If with “device console” you mean “device setup”, then not Cubase activates in- and outputs - you do. In that way, that you connect the hardware port to a bus in Cubase VST connections - as explained in the manuals and roughly 100 times here on the forum.