Unable to apply workspace setting or create custom workspace

I am unable to create a custom workspace in AICC 2019 (v 23.0.6) as the reset, new, and manage workspace options are not available to select in the window/workspace menu. Also when selecting any of the preset options in that menu or in the quick pull down tab, it defaults to essentials classic regardless of what workspace I select and doesn't apply any workspace at all. It seems I am facing having to reset my workspace everytime I close and restart illustrator? I also after setting up my workspace have exported my setting under the Edit/My Settings menu, but upon restarting AICC 2019 I find I still have no workspace applied and when I go to import my saved or exported settings and agree to let it restart AI to apply them it still restarts with no workspace. I do not have this problem when I launch AICC 2018 (v22.1), as my workspace settings seem to still apply for it when I close and restart it. Please help me understand why i cannot seem to keep my settings and workspace once i close and restart AI, and what I can do to remedy this?