Garageband states file does not exist when I attempt to import audio AAC file
I received an AAC audio file from a friend, saved it to my Downloads file for now. I got to import it into Garageband by clicking and dragging but an error appears saying the file does not exist.
I CAN open the file with VLC media player, I cannot open the file in Apple Music. Unsure how to progress, I am a beginner when it comes to audio editing and I just want to add some sound effects, etc.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.6