Not sure what version of desktop you use, but here is what I found in using 2019.
Do you use QuickBooks work force (the cloud service that is supposed to be "free" so that you can upload your paystubs for your employees to access) ? if you do, i have found that those "vague" messages about "you need to update your payroll" is really QuickBooks wanting you to upload your paystubs to the server so that they can charge you the per user fee. When you don't update to the server, then you get stuck in this endless loop of not being able to do payroll and not being able get rid of that message.
Hope this helps.
