Hangouts: how to obtain verification code without android phone to receive code

[AC Question]

I recently acquired an ASUS Memo Pad 7 LTE. When trying to use "Hangouts", I keep being asked to verify my number - which it displays and which the device itself indicates is the number. It then tries to send me a code to input to confirm. This code never shows up; I suspect because for some reason Hangouts believes the DEVICE "phone number" is a number for an android phone - to which it is trying to send code. Or some such. Why cannot the verification code be sent to device?

Is there a way to obtain the verification code without also having an android phone (with same number?)? I like the tablet - it's great for what I need but very frustrating being unable to SMS text message.

All help and advice much appreciated. & Many thanks!