Hi watsor1,
It's possible that the "new remote" is already programmed to another make of TV and may need resetting before you can program it to work with yours.
Here's a link to a web page with remote codes VM TiVo TV Remote Code List
There's an online help page with instructions for resetting and then setting up a new remote using-tv-remote
If the above fails then one of the Forum Tech guys @BumbleVMTech has some other instructions which have worked for a good number of people
Go to HOME > Help and Settings > Help > Set up Remote. Follow instructions there it should give you a series of codes to try. You can also put 0999 in place of the code and press channel up until the TV turns off, then press ok.
Dave
The Service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth - Muhammad Ali