Having trouble logging into iMessage on iMac...No Verification code sent/received

When I try to log into iMessage on iMac OS13, I'm prompted to "Verify the email address you use with your Apple ID to turn on two-factor authentication." When I click on 'send code', nothing happens and I don't receive the verification code by email as indicated in the message (see screenshot).

After not getting anywhere with that, I went into my iPhone settings > name > password/security > Get Verification Code and I get one, but I don't have any place to use it. The prompt on iMessage doesn't change nor give me a place to type the code.

Anyone else having problem with this?