Premiere Pro sequence not playing back - Single video file

[Shabby Adams]

Just purchased a brand new 2021 Macbook Pro, 32gb RAM. PP version 23.0.0 running Montery. 

Currently trying to edit a very, very simple project. Single MP4 files, cut downs. 

On some video files (the only ones in the sequence), playback is simply impossible. The playhead will not budge, the play button goes into play but nothing plays back. 

This is ridiculous. 

[Peru Bob]

Delete the Media Cache and Media Cache files:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro/faq-how-to-clear-your-media-cache-in-30-seconds-in-premi...

If that doesn't work, try resetting the preferences:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro/faq-how-to-reset-trash-preferences-in-premiere-pro/td-p/...

If that doesn't work, try resetting the Workspaces:
Reset a workspace
Reset the current workspace to return to its original, saved layout of panels.
1. Do one of the following:
• Click the Workspace menu icon and select Reset to Saved Layout.
• Choose Window > Workspace > Reset to Saved Layout.
from here:
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/using/workspaces.html

If that doesn't work, try Preferences > Audio Hardware and set Input to None.

If that doesn't work, try creating a new project and import the old one into it.

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

Also, please use the free MediaInfo and post a screenshot of the properties of your media in tree view:
https://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo

Many users are having issues with VFR. If the file is variable frame rate, use Handbrake to convert to constant frame rate:
https://handbrake.fr/downloads.php
Here is a tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=xlvxgVREX-Y

Shutter Encoder may also be used to convert to Constant Frame Rate:
https://www.shutterencoder.com/en/

[Shabby Adams]

I can confirm that converting the file via handbrake with a constant frame rate has fixed the issue. Many thanks. 

Are you able to provide more of an explanation as to why this is happening?

[Peru Bob]

You're welcome, but sorry, I only know what, not why.