Cannot reset Google password, yes I spoke with Google

[star-gazer777]

Windows 10 PC, AMD 8-core 4.4 GHz, 32GB RAM, two 1-TB M.2 drives
Firefox (latest version 94.0.1)

*** I want to say ahead of time, I am quite computer knowledgeable in many ways; I have built my own PCs since the mid-90s. However, my knowledge of networking security etc. is only very basic.

I hadn't logged out of Gmail for ages, so when I closed it and started it again, I couldn't get the Google password correct. After trying many times over several days, I contacted Google. (Yes, it was Google's actual phone #, not a 3rd party).

The Google rep asked me to start up a screen sharing app. He fired up the command prompt, and it displayed my IP address as well as those for what he indicated were hackers (115 listings!) attempting to get into my system in real time.

Long story short, he said he would direct me to a third party who could install an app that would provide SSL/firewall security. I asked about cost, he said they would charge $149.95. Do bona fide Google reps actually suggest this sort of thing? Wondering if they get a kickback from something with what seems to me to be an exorbitant price.

I told him I had been very seriously ill for many months with no paycheck, and I could not spend that kind of $$$ when I had electricity, groceries etc. to pay for. He said get back to him (them) when I was ready to pay. It sounded like he was implying that Google wouldn't help me with a simple password reset until I paid for the 3rd party solution for SSL/firewall security.

For the record, when I attempt to reset my Google password, I am told to check my phone for an SMS message with a verification code. When I enter the code in the indicated location, this new screen displays the attached image.

It is obviously NOT accepting the code it sent to my phone, and suggests trying another method.
I obviously CANNOT have a code sent to my email, since I use Gmail, which requires the Google password I'm trying to reset. >:-(

Any suggestions, if Google can't or won't help?

Thanks in advance,
David G.