How to fix the space bar on my HP TouchSmart IQ770?

I have the H.P. TouchSmart PC IQ770 purchased in 2007/2008 time frame and recently removed the space bar on the keyboard to clean and regain its functionality for my enjoyment. I did this over 8 months ago and to this day, I still have the wire and the plastic bar in a box. I cannot get the bar to snap back on and a small chip of plastic has been added to my keyboard collection that snapped off from my last attempt. I have used two sided tape that is commercially "sticky" but nada. Any Suggestions? The small plastic piece is from the part that depresses the soft plastic piece that is in the center. I was told that hp does not make this kind any longer. The follow-on unit looks cheap and ugly. You Tube offered nothing
in their vids. The Part Number:5188-4461 The Serial Number: BR70804722 Model Number: 9131URF (K).
Thank you for any help on this.