PC doesnt acknowledge plugged in iphone, but DOES charge it (Itunes doesnt ack phone either)

I have an iPhone 15plus. charges when plugged into pc USB-C port. but the iphone doesnt ask "do you trust this device" when i plug it in. the PC doesnt acknowledge it as a drive, and iTunes doesnt show the iphone icon. ive updated software on the phone and the pc and uninstalled and reinstalled itunes. ive tried various ports and cords. looking through "old threads" online, ive tried to look for the Apple Mobile Device Services....it is not there.

I dont have VPN on my pc, but i am in costa rica for a month. Not sure why me being in costa rica would affect a direct connect from phone to pc, but figured i'd throw that out there just in case. CR has apple approved seller stores, but havent been much helpful...maybe due to the language barrier but they dont have "genious bars" I think i've exhausted every approach, and now cant seem to get apple to come online and chat, and to call costs me a pretty penny long distance. hope someone here can help. just FYI through the Gallery, im able to see thumbnail pics that were syncd via the cloud, but only as recent as end of october...not any in november. AND when i click on said thumbnails it infers that its going to the cloud, but then a pop-up says i HEVC video extension is required to display, and i need to download it. there apparently is a fee for this .HEIC app