Unable To Open .NEF Files

I updated to v26 last week, haven't used the program since. Sat down to edit pics yesterday, and when I try to open my RAW file (.NEF), Photoshop freezes. 
- Camera RAW is up to date.
- Jpeg files open with no problem.

- The graphics processor is up to date.

- I have had no problem with the files over the last 1 year+ (Nikon Z9)
- computer has been restarted a number of times since yesterday
What I have tried:
- opening in the program, dragging and dropping, opening by right-clicking the photo in a folder
- rolling back to version 25.12 (files opened fine in the past on this version...don't now)
- Googling for others having issues, most recent is May 2024 but suggestions aren't for my version
- changing the file name ie: _CS12345.NEF to CS12345.NEF
I'm super frustrated as I need to work on photos for an event next week.
Thanks for any help!