I cannot update to monterey

Try this...

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294

macOS Monterey on the App Store (apple.com)

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294?mt=12

User wrote " As soon as I click on GET, it automatically goes to software update. Searches.....forever. "

This would possible indicate this computer may not Qualify to run Monterey

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. 

Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

If I may add

The computer I am using Originally came installed with Ventura 13.4

Have since upGraded to macOS 14.2.1 Sonoma

As a Test, I used the How to get old versions of macOS  to initiate the download of Ventura using Safari Web Browser

Yes, it did bring up Software Update Applet in Sonoma but t also brought up this interesting Warning

The point being, that the Software Update Applet did not " Searches.....forever. "

Should your computer truly Qualify for Monterey which is possible

Suggesting to follow the very sound advise from @BDAqua regarding " VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps? "

Refer to image below

How is SW Update getting involved, the link should open the AppStore to Monterey‽

Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

VPN is Virtual Private Network, For hidding your whereabouts on the internet, not needed & generally interferes with the OS.

Is your Date & Time accurate to within a few seconds?

Very strange, I'm at a loss. :(

No third party cleaners are required or ever be considered to be anyway near the computer

Tge best they will do is create a new set of prolems