I believe I had tried that but don't remember for sure.
I found this tutorial and started over with it https://askubuntu.com/questions/1332371/creating-a-pc-boot-able-ubuntu-installation/1332619#1332619
I get towards the end where I'm supposed to move the EFI and boot folder from the .iso file...
Downloaded an ubuntu and then mint distro today put them on a usb and was able to load them. Went through the install process to put Linux on a separate usb and two other external hard drives at different times and removed the original usb. went into the bios to boot from said drive and each...