So, I tried disabling the pepperflash and found I only have 1 listed. So was unable to do it. Researched some of the options listed above and found this:
Windows 8 users: Due to system limitations, only plug-ins using Pepper API, such as Flash, Native Client, and Chrome PDF Viewer will function properly when Chrome runs as a Windows 8 app. Learn more about plug-in free browsing from Microsoft
I am on windows 8, so sounds like I am SOL. Funny thing is, the spacebar worked fine on this machine until about a week ago.
Anyone with any more ideas, I am all ears.