Plug into 110 = no power plug into generator = power

I've tried 4 different adapters from my local hardware store, and the adapter works fine plugged into the generator. There is no transfer between the generator and shore power you either plug it into shore power or plug it into the genny.

Weird, right? It's the same cable working in a generator vs not working plugged in, microwave, ac, outlets nothing had power unless plugged into the running generator.