HP 6978 cartridge error missing or damage error with brand new, correct genuine HP cartridges

[ksmcq]

I recently purchased genuine OEM HP 902 xl cartridges (all colors and black) - 4 in total - and replaced the old cartridges with the new ones directly out of packaging. I was then getting a "one or more cartridges is missing or damaged error" - this error was at first only showing for the "C" cartridge (cyan/blue) and then I removed all cartridges, cleaned the chips with a microfiber cloth as advised, and replaced them. I even got a replacement cartridge from HP support (under warranty) for the "c" cartridge. I replaced that one and I then started getting the error for all cartridges.

After numerous times of troubleshooting (unplugging, resetting, etc) as shown in various other help articles, I opted for a semi-full reset.

Then my printer was stuck on the "Please use cartridges that came with the printer" - I was stuck on that screen for a while. Which leads me to now, which is showing the same "one or more cartridges is missing or damaged" error. I am unable to access any of the touch buttons to try the "4x BL". They do not work, even though not lit up. I don't know what to do. Can someone help me get my beloved printer to work again please??? 🙂

[ksmcq]

I found this question asked by another user. It is very similar to what I'm experiencing. Can you please advise asap?

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/HP-Office-Jet-Pro-6978-prin...

I've also tried all of the steps found in this post and nothing has worked. I fear I have exhausted all troubleshooting steps. 
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Missing-or-damaged-cartridg...

question from first link also listed below

Hi, I have had my HP Office Jet Pro 6978 printer for over five years and until now it has never let me down. It was working perfectly fine until one day I turned it on and got the error message "the print cartridge cannot move" and would not return to the home screen. I followed the instructions stated on the screen and ensured there were no paper jams and that there were no foreign bodies or broken pieces inside the printer but this did not fix the fault. This process was repeated several times with same result.

I then performed a hard reset of the printer by disconnecting the power from the back of the printer, with the printer still on, and then disconnecting the power lead from the wall socket. I removed all the ink cartridges and after 2-3 minutes I held the power button "on" for 30 seconds. I then reconnected the power lead to the wall socket and to the printer and then turned the printer back on. The printer went through a start up procedure before re-showing the original error message of the cartridge not moving.

I checked the freedom of the carriage that holds the ink cartridges and it moved very freely up and down on its track with no effort at all. On that basis I conclude there is no physical obstruction and perhaps it might be a software issue?

Just for back ground knowledge my printer is plugged directly into a wall socket and by WI-FI to my Macbook air computer which uses BigSur. I would be grateful for any assistance in resolving this error message.