now when I click Check, no popup appears.
I also checked devmgmt again, and now it doesn't appear there too.
I checked fastboot devices, and it came back with a NIL response.
What else can I do?
yes the phone is visible in device manager, and it can be seen in fastboot devices.
The link you shared points to Mi Unlock, which is what I followed in my original post. I did try different USB cables & ports - same results.
I used this so it should suffice?
https://xiaomiui.net/how-to-install-adb-fastboot-drivers-on-pc-3108/
in any case if drivers are missing, I shouldn't even see my device using adb devices?
AS per screenshot. I rebooted to FASTBOOT (logo shown on phone, albeit a bit dim), and connected to PC, but the unlock button is still greyed out. USB debugging definitely works because I can see it under adb devices.
I'm on miui 14.0.12 CHINA ROM stock currently. Please help!