Ok… First the answers ! The input to the uca222 is an Audio Buddy pre, which is working. And No, the UCA222 did not come from a reputable vendor.
In my hours of searching tintenet this morning I came across the dire warnings on eBay chat of the “flood” of fakes. Mine doesn’t have the clues shown there defining it as a definite fake - but it maybe.
However, as it played back, and sometimes the clones do work anyway, I persisted 
Since I posted earlier, I’ve got it to work… Somewhere along the way the audio cord between UCA222 and the Buddy had gone O/C…
So I’ve retraced my steps with a good cable. 
Now, win10 sees the “USB audio Codec” as before but it does not appear in the Audacity Ins OR outs.
That’s computers ! However I persisted with the idea of the 2.8.40 third party driver and actually found a download (without installing PUPs etc.
The install process was not successful because the final “box” gives : Install, uninstall and cancel" options. I pressed install and nothing happened…
I tried several times with the same result >
Then I noticed that the file originated from a company called Ploytech GmbH (https://www.usb-audio.com/) and went to investigate.
They look to me like a legitimate software company. 2.8.40 is no longer listed as a download BUT 2…8.45 is… I downloaded a trial version because it looks like you now have to pay for it now. It stated that the trial will beep every 30 seconds. It did.
However, I had exactly the same trouble with the “install” button… But while bashing it repeatedly, suddenly nirvana. And it installed and worked in Audacity.
I uninstalled and went back to the 2.8.40 version download from earlier and after repeatedly hitting the “install” button , that installed OK. perhaps it just needs thinking time 
Anyway I will try it out properly later but for now I’m happy… BTW, the internet is awash with hits on the 2.8.40 driver - all from Driver companies with a zillion misleading download buttons to give you something you don’t want… I think the link in an earlier post is the only clean source out there for the older free version…
I may be wrong… but that’s my experience today… Roger