Unable to isolate vectors. Ungroup isn't working.

I rasterized some text and then used image trace/ make and expand to get vectors.  Been doing this for years.   I ungrouped everything and then selected an isolated vector to change stroke and color.  I cannot work with anything individually and it doesn't fill the group properly.  I can select each vector individually but it treats everything like a group no matter what I do.  I've done this literally hundreds of times....  This is only ONE of my issues with 2025.  Back to 24 for me?

I just need a reliable vector.  This isn't hard adobe....  come on.