Misterious Run-time error 1004 on Workbook Open

I have two versions of the same file and they share the same sheet structure and the same workbook_open event function as follows

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    
    With ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("QCT Global")
        With .DeliveryLot
            .Clear
            .AddItem "Current Lot"
            .AddItem "Manual Lot"
            .Value = ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("QCT Global").Range("E3")
        End With
        .Visible = xlSheetVisible
        .Activate
        .Cells(1, 1).Select
        ActiveWindow.Zoom = 65
    End With
    
    For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
        If Not ws.Name = "QCT Global" Then
            ws.Visible = xlSheetVeryHidden
        End If
    Next ws

End Sub

for some reason one of the versions gives Run-time error 1004 when it arrives at line
ws.Visible = xlSheetVeryHidden

Run-time error 1004
method "Visible" of object "_worksheet" failed

but I cannot understand why. (in the other file with the same workbook_open event there are no issues)
ws is indeed each of the worksheets and I can access its properties through the inmediate window, but for some reason does not allow changing its visible attributes

any clues of what may be going on?

thanks!