When I first installed Java edition on my macbook, the launcher only displayed the version 1.6.2 as the latest version. I uninstalled and reinstalled Minecraft and it only got worse. Now it only displays the words Latest Release instead of an actual version and when i try to create a new installation via the launcher, it doesn't display any version in the drop down menu. It also won't let me run the game and displays a text saying check your configuration in a red background whenever I hit play.

I could not find any solution online or any mention of this type of issue aside from another post earlier today with a similar problem.

Please help me resolve this issue. Thank you.