How the ever loving heck can I get chives to germinate?!

I need help please. I'm a new gardener and I'm trying to grow a diverse herb garden. I have been having no problem with all my other plants so far except for chives. I don't know why I can't get them to sprout. I've tried in dirt/pot with and without a ziplock. I've tried multiple times in an aerogarden. I've tried between two cotton pads above the oven in a cabinet. Inside. Outside. Direct sunlight. Shade. Different seed packet. Different company seed packet. I almost gave in and bought a pre-started one from home Depot, but I'm determined to make it work! I have so many seeds now dang it! >:(

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm so frustrated. Any tips that worked for you are greatly appreciated. I'm in zone 10a also.