Cannot import images. Blank images. LR not responding on close. Have to force quit.

v 5.7.1 I knwo this is an old version. But it is the one I have and cannot change it. Will have to buy a new comptuer.

MAC Retina Pro OS Catalina 10.15.7 | 8Gb RAM

Things were working a week back but this issues started creeping up and would just fix itself. But not it won't and I can't figure out why.

I tried making a new LR cat and this same issue.

If I single file preview it at least a preview of the image shows up. as below.

These files were copied from a SD card and copied to this location on a ext HDD.

There are other folder which have not been imported yet or still to be imported into the Catalog and they show up the same.

Tried deleting the preview file to generate new previews but didn't fix it.

If I click on Import anyways. It shows up as importing files. But does nothing.

When I click on cancel x on the top. this is the msg that it throws up.

When I try to close LR it shows up as not responding in the Activity Monitor. Have to force quit it.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.