Bridge will no longer delete Original Camera Files after import

On my Windows 11 PC, When using bridge Photo Downloader and with Delete Original Files selected, after the download is complete and the "Files have need successfully copied to *********. Do you want to delete these files from your camera or card reader" window appears, I select Yes and the following pop up appears -

"Device is not connected or is busy." It will not delete the camera files.

Please don't give me all the reasons why I shouldn't do this please. I have a VERY robust downloading process with instant backups to both hard drives and NAS units and I don't delete until the NAS has confirmed receipt of the files. I've been using this process for 12 years and has never failed me.

To confuse the issue, this problem arose after both udating to Version 16 of Bridge AND within a day or 2 also updated the firmware on my Sony A7Rm5 to the latest version. So I fully admit, I don't know if this is a Bridge problem or a Sony problem. I'm trying both avenues of support.

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks