Why isn't my Wii U GameCube controller adapter and Gamecube controller working with my Switch?

The only things from your process that I see might be an issue are that:

  • only the black USB-A cable needs to be connected from the adapter to the Switch dock
  • and you have to hit both the L and R triggers on the Gamecube controller to link to to the Switch after you connect the adapter with the controllers attached.