You definitely need BITS to do automatic MS updates.

I and others have had problems with BITS suddenly not working, after months
of successful operation.

Your error message suggests that the program in Services is incorrect.

Try Computer Management/Services/Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
In the General tab, the "Path to executable" field in my system reads
C:\WINNT\Systemn32\svchost.exe -k BITSgroup

I have no idea what the command line refers to, but at least it tries to
start, then fails part way through with a message:

The Background Intelligent Transfer Service service terminated with
service-specific error 2147942402.

Have  you looked at Windows Update (html page), then Update History? It
should reflect your unsuccessful attempt(s), along with any successful
attempt(s). Sort them in date order, then check your records for what you
did after last successful update, before first unsuccessful one. The Event
Viewer logs will tell you things that happened after last successful update.

Good luck!