ST-LINK Version 2 on Arch Linux not working
FOUND IT! this is the most insidious thing ever but the pin out was WRONG on the cover! I will include the link here from the amazon review I bought the product from, but in case it gets removed or something.. take the cover off and actually look at the pin out!! the cover was not correct the swc had to be swapped with the swio.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07F84DKMP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1#customerReviews