Is there a way to disable iTunes backup during sync?

I am transferring my playlist to my new iPhone 15. Usually I manually tick the playlists and they transfer and hit sync and it is done! Tonight iTunes wanted to backup to my computer or the cloud-which I do not want to do! I have no option to not backup at all-it is ‘greyed out’. If I hit manually backup I am asked do I want to encrypt it-if I hit no and let it start and then close it [as suggested in many discussions] the process shuts down without transferring the selected playlists to my phone.

i am beyond frustrated as I transferred playlists only a month ago and this did not happen. I need these playlists for my employment !! Does anyone know what the story is-am I doing something wrong? .. or missing something?? HELP! Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]