List your item against the wrong UPC code. This provided Amazon with all the correct information, including the correct photo. Then go back and mark your inventory at zero.. keep an eye on this as you don't want to sell the item as you might not have the wrong item to ship.

Then email Amazon with the ASIN number and explain that you have piggybacked on the listing based on the UPC code but the detail page reflects the wrong item. Let them know that you have removed your inventory till this can be worked out. I included photos to show the UPC for the correct item. Ask Amazon to cleave the listing so you can list your item.
Amazon cleaved the ASIN. I had never heard that term. What Amazon did was split the listings and assigned a new ASIN to the listing I started. This allowed both listings for one UPC code while Amazon looking into the questionable listing.

You have to have a UPC code to list an item... or you need an exception from Amazon. You can't take an item that has a UPC code and add a non-UPC code item as a variation.

The photos are slower than the text. When starting a new listing, the photos don't even start to be loaded until you have completed the listing. Just the way Amazon's system works.