Missing ‘Make Frames from Layers’ Option in Timeline Panel

Using Mac OS, I am manually creating an Instagram Reel in Photoshop by stacking multiple images as layers and then converting them into frames using the Timeline panel. However, despite following the correct steps, I do not see the option "Make Frames from Layers" in the Timeline panel menu. Additionally, the "+" (Add Frame) button is missing.

This issue has occurred multiple times. The first time, I resolved it by completely rebuilding the file, but now that the issue has reappeared, I believe I am missing something fundamental about how Photoshop handles this process.  I haven't been able to recreate the success from the last time this happened. 

Steps Taken & Expected Behavior

I am following these steps:

1. Prepare the Document

   - Create a new 1080 x 1920 px, 300 dpi document.

   - Load multiple images into separate layers using **File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack.

   - Ensure the background is blurred while keeping other layers intact.

2. **Prepare the Timeline for Frame Animation**

   - Open Window > Timeline.

   - Click Create Frame Animation (instead of Video Timeline).

   - Expect to see "Make Frames from Layers" as an option in the Timeline menu (three horizontal lines).

Issues Encountered

1. "Make Frames from Layers" does not appear in the Timeline menu.

2. The "+" (Add Frame) button is missing.

3. The Timeline panel does not show frames but instead appears stuck in a blank state.

Troubleshooting Steps Already Tried

1. Checked that "Create Frame Animation" is selected

   - Toggled it off and on again in the Timeline panel.

   - No change.

2. Confirmed Frame Animation Mode

   - Ensured the Timeline does not look like a video strip.

   - Checked the Timeline menu for Convert Frames > Convert to Frame Animation (option was grayed out).

3. Manually Created a New File & Imported Layers

   - Closed Photoshop, restarted the program.

   - Created a brand-new file and manually re-imported the layers.

   - Worked the first time but now the issue has returned, suggesting this is not a one-time file corruption issue.

4. Checked for Layer Locking or Smart Object Issues

   - Ensured layers were not locked or converted to Smart Objects.

   - Still no success.

5. Reset Photoshop’s Essentials & Preferences

   - Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials → No change.

   - Held Shift + Option + Command (Mac) while launching Photoshop to reset preferences → Still no change.

6. Checked Layer Visibility & Selection

   - Selected all layers before opening Timeline.

   - Made sure no hidden layers were interfering.

   - Still missing the "Make Frames from Layers" option.

Questions for the Community

1. What conditions must be met for "Make Frames from Layers" to appear in the Timeline menu?

2. Are there any known Photoshop settings or workflows that could prevent layers from being converted to frames?

3. Could this be a bug, or is there something I am missing about how Photoshop handles Frame Animation?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!