I have received this error pretty much every time I've tried to install it, I saw a post almost a year ago with a similar error message with the responses saying to install VLC media player onto the program files in the C drive, which I have, and I have not found a solution.
I have the .zip for the latest extracted into its own folder on my desktop.

is this just broken code preventing it from running or am I doing something wrong?

I 2nd this. I copied VLC files into the folder after it not seeing my normal install of VLC, and now I get the same error

I'm sorry you are encountering this issue, please make sure you have vlc installed.

I know this may not solve it as others have tested it, i'm working  on it currently

Getting same error, VLC is installed, unless there is a specific one you want us to install