how I can have the cursor return to the input field

Setfocus does work. I have used it lots of time.

Are you sure you are trying to use it at the correct loctation in your code.

Posting a copy of wour workbook would help us to give a better answer

Example of using setfocus

Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
   Me.TextBox1.Text = vbNullString
   Me.TextBox2.Text = vbNullString
   Me.TextBox1.SetFocus
End Sub