After a lot of troubleshooting I'm sure the problem is when I choose "yes" when the console asks me if I want to use the gamepad; I need to press yes to be able to play the Gamecube game at all obviously. Choosing "no" doesn't make the console...
@K3Nv2 I got some cheapies at wallys, that are pretty good, already have lost a few expensive ones (one falls out and gone, can't find) while cutting grass so bought some cheap ones, and of course never lose these cheap ones. (Cheap meaning only $35, compared to air buds which I only have 1 of 2 now)