What is the problem with the wires?

[Jdunnill]

Just bought a house where the bathroom fan is not working. Thought it was the switch but realized the black and hot are not working…. Take a look at the pics as I was thrown off. The switch that does work (switch on the right) has two blacks going to it. The switch that doesn’t work has a white and a black which my mind doesn’t understand. Anyhow, I tried a lamp to both the white and black and that did not light up so what could be the problem? Thx

 

[westward10]

Are you sure those three twisted whites were connected at the switch.
To me they are neutrals and what is missing is a hot link between the switches but that is pure assumption.

 

[Jdunnill]

What would the black wire be then and why wouldn’t a light go on when I touch the black and white to a light plug? Thank you

 

[westward10]

I am making pure assumptions here but that disconnected black is hot to the fan? Touching it the the white will do nothing, were the whites pigtailed together?
I believe the hot link to the switch which doesn't work is missing.