Although you got Rufus to work; it sounds like there was an underlying issue here.
What got my attention was that you reported that Popsicle had failed.
For bootable media like a Zorin OS .iso, these are hybrid .iso images. I know Popsicle has stronger support for these types of files than Balena Etcher.
Balena Etcher uses raw block-level copying of the ISO which can result in GRUB dropping to a prompt if UEFI boot files are missing or not properly detected.
MBR/EFI is hybrid, as well.
While this is not a common occurrence, it is common enough; usually easily resolved by using Ventoy, Rufus or using dd commands in terminal - those with stronger Hybrid .iso image writing.
But there are other options than just switching etchers. Aside from using dd commands on GnuLinux or MacOS, you can use Gnome Disks application to create the bootable medium without installing an etcher.
(Scroll down to To use Gnome Disks)
If on MacOS; try initially formating the USB drive with mkfs.vfat
If on Windows OS or GnuLinux, try formatting to FAT32.
Formatting the USb Stick first can prevent these issues, due to unformatted sticks having a much higher potential for corruption during write process.