Why won't Whatsapp acknowledge my phone number?

I have been trying to make a whatsapp account for years. whether it's for traveling or connecting with friends abroad, i have tried many times to set up an account and have never received a code after putting in my phone number - essentially blocking me from creating an account.

This last time I tried, I did allllll the things suggested on reddit and youtube including getting a VPN and doing all these setting adjustments to my wifi/bluetooth/etc and still it didn't send the SMS code.

I've even reached out, or tired to, to their customer service to no avail. I have a FB account associated with my cell number. Since they've acquired whatsapp you'd think they might be able to connect it that way but idk. i've given up!

Wonder if I'm the only one with this issue, or if someone else has some sage advice so i can create an account. my close friend just moved to London and I'm in the states. I'd love to be able to have phone calls when she get's her new phone plan :'(