CAS UI Issue

does anyone know what may cause the CAS UI to stop working? I am trying to create a new game and every time I click within the traits, preferences or aspirations it stops letting me choose them. when im in an already established save file I can't even enter CAS

for disclosure I had UI Cheats, More columns, more traits in CAS, and a background. I have since deleted those mods and even other trait mods. repaired the game and tried again and still happens.

Im trying to not have to purge all my stuff again as I had to purge my ENTIRE computer last time I had a weird error to get the game to function.