iCloud files showing download button but won't download

I am running around in circles, pulling my hair out on how to fix this issue.

My files are all backed up on iCloud, and recently they have disappeared off my Mac. Not the key issue but random as I haven't removed them myself. ANYHOW. When I go to Finder > iCloud Drive and then my folders, they have the cloud then the arrow pointing down. When I click to download, nothing happens and the icon has a black screen with ".>" on it. Nothing happens. Nothing will download. I need these files for work, and to back up my MacBook Pro (files must be downloaded before moving to another location such as an external hard drive, as I have tried this allllllllll day!)

Thanks in advance!