Cant get old XR15 remote to pair to new box

First off it has been about 3 years since last new equipment.  The customer service line is a joke and totally useless!!!!!!!! 

OK, I got a new box cause I got an error msg trying to access Paramount+ App.   Msg stated I needed to upgrade box to access. 

New box only arrived.  I hooked it up and unpaired remote using a & D keys until green light then entered 9-8-1 and got 2 blue blinks.

NOW I tried to pair XR15 remote to new box holding XFINITY & INFO but box is powered on (light is on)  but TV is showing no signal  from cable box.

I did have to hit power button on box to turn it on.

(YES all cable and wires are connected too, restarted box 5+ times too)

I can't see the 3 digit code I am supposed to enter.  Talk about total gridlock!!!! 

I do notice that cable box power light does blink when I hit a key on remote but that is all that happens.

How do you get the box to boot up without a remote?  Obliviously can't program remote with blank screen?????

Please someone take over customer service role and help me out.

Thanks in advance....