Debbie
On the Cosmo 6ft. pre-lighted LED douglas fir you do not need both hook up cords, just the one with 1 male fitting and 3 female fittings. Connect the male end to the control cord. Now connect the 3 female ends to one male end of each section of the tree, (base, middle, and top sections), in any order. The whole tree should now light. You will still have one loose end not conected on each section. They are not used accept to connect other cosmo products such as an angel, star, or other lighted ordaments. The second hookup cord is also used for that purpose.
Hope this helps!
Bob H
November 2014