I have found 3 different ways that resolved this for me:
Make sure that the EA app is closed by clicking the three lines at the top LEFT of the app and selecting "Exit" BEFORE trying any of these. Pressing the "X" at the top right will NOT achieve the same result.
- Uninstall and then reinstall the EA Desktop app.
- Running "EA Updater" from your start menu. (This option only works if the "Updater" finds that the EA app needs an update.)
- Ending task of "EA Background Service" in Task Manager:
1. Open your pc's "Task Manager" by right-clicking the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and selecting "Task Manager"
2. In Task Manager, click "More details" at the bottom left.
3. Find "EA Background Service" under Background processes.
4. Right-click "EA Background Service" and select "End task"
5. Now just open up your game via a shortcut on your desktop/taskbar/start menu
FYI - I am not a computer technician/professional and if you choose to do any of these things, I am not liable if any issues arise. I am just trying to assist fellow Simmers who are having the same frustrating problem as me.
Keep in mind that my pc is running Windows 10 so the steps to do these things may differ from a computer running Windows 8, 11, etc.