Errors you may find in the error log
First you must make sure your VAM folder is not in a protected location like "Program Files/", "Users/...", "Windows", just use a simple folder like "C:\VAM" for example.
VAR file... <creator>.<name>.<version>
VAR file AddonPackages\AlmightyPatty.RE8_WeaponsPack1.var is not named with convention <creator>.<name>.<version>
The VAR is not named using the pattern creator.name.version.var, notice the version part does not exist.
Solutions:
correct the VAR name to follow the expected pattern, and do tell the creator of the VAR about the mistake
Tip: search in File Explorer using this pattern: ~="(1)"; this will only bring copies and not legitimate VAR versions as .1.var; if needed replace 1 with 2...