AI files in AE are "PDF" files because the PDF data in an Illustrator file is what AE uses to generate the layer preview. So in reverse this could mean that your AI file is simply damaged or was not saved with PDF content enabled. Check it in Illustrator and re-save it if necessary. Other than that consider reinstalling the programs in case soem of the underlying file handling libraries have been messed up.
Yes I do, I have bien doing this proyect with versión 2023 Yesterday all day, and later un the night i could'nt open it no More.. and the proyect does'nt have any PDF, only text, images and ai. files.