unable to create a table/insert anything into 'notes' app - on a MacBook Pro

Follow Eric's advice. I was incorrect about Notes not allowing a Table or other options. Should have known it would not be a menu item if not supported! 🤪

Have you tried creating a new note, then Notes/Format/Table? If you are trying to insert it in an existing note, have you tried inserting it at the end after hitting Return a couple of times? If trying to insert it in the middle of an existing note, have you tried hitting Return a couple of times to make room for the table?

Because you cannot create a Table, a numbered list or other features in Notes.

You can however, paste a Table from TextEdit, or other text editing app.