Cannot get a wired network to work with a arris comcast cable modem

What model number is your SURFboard?

It sounds to me like you don't have any DHCP for the wired connections, which explains why none of that works. Try connecting a computer directly to the switch and watch its Ethernet settings. I'm guessing that either nothing will happen or the computer tries to assign itself an IP address (usually starting with 169.254....). You might need to try modifying your cable modem settings to make it provide DHCP for your wired stuff.

The connections are as followed: Arris Surfboard ethernet connection -- network switcher. Network switcher -- airport extreme & wired devices (blue ray, apple tv etc etc)

If you have a simple modem (it will have only one Ethernet port and look something like the example below)

Then......your network must look like this: Internet > Modem > AirPort Extreme > Switch > Devices and other Switches

If you have a modem/router (which is really a separate modem and separate router in one package.....like the example below)

Then.....your network can look like this: Internet > Modem / Router > Switches > AirPort Router, etc.

Do I need to go right from the Surfboard modem directly to the airport extreme; then airport extreme to my network switchers with my ethernet cords?

Yes, if you have a simple modem. If you are not sure what type of modem that you have, post back with the model number of your Arris product.

What is the exact model number of your Arris Surfboard modem? If it is one of the SB61XX-series modem they are known to be incompatible with Apple routers. Neither are bad, per se, they just don't "play nice" together. What you are seeing is a typical issue seen between these devices.