I posted this bug multiple times, yet it still hasn't been fixed. IIRC it's been occurring since summerset patch.
If you only have a weapon/shield on your "off hand" while keeping your main hand empty, instead of doing the regular unarmed attack animations your character just sits there idle while doing attacks, making it appear as if you're hitting someone without attacking. Sure this isn't a BIG issue, but surely after numerous reports to ZOS you'd think they'd fix it lol. Guess not, so maybe just maybe they haven't fixed it because they're busy redoing the unarmed combat system.
Or more likely, they just ignored and dismissed the bug and choose to leave it there instead of fixing it like they have with many bugs in this game.
Master Debater