Thank you all for responding, this is going to sound like a sob story but I really appreciate you.
My car got stolen yesterday so I am already down thousands of dollars so to bounce from an extreme act of evil to your extremely generous responses and trying to help me out was really nice.
You ALL made me smile and I just thought I would share my appreciation for you all before I start responding.
@philipma1957
I tried messaging him but he doesnt accept messages from "newbies" so I am stuck. Oh well... thanks!
@rdluffy you are awesome, I did that and it worked fine. I agree with yall I am going to get rid of the 970s and get some used 1070's and mine eth.
@Gunday_07/Bitbtc8/Phoenix_PROG thanks for the comment

@VDraci one was free and I bought the other for 100$. i will probably return the one I bought.
@sxemini your right. Windows 10, I tried phoenixminer, voskae, claymore and much more.
@Samayuki i should have done more research, you are right.
Thank you all! I am sure I will have more questions as I cycle out these old graphics cards. Is there a specifc card that is the most bang for the buck? I don't want to have to buy the newest graphics cards, but not the crappiest.