It could be that the motherboard I have does not have an TPM (trusted platform module), which is required for Qubes OS on their requirements page

https://www.qubes-os.org/hcl/

So I can buy the TPM from gigabyte, and I hope that will clear up the issue.

https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/GC-TPM20-SPI-20#ov

What are your thoughts mate?