Can't factory reset Xiaomi Redmi 4', locked bootloader, deep flash cable not working - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I received my new Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime running MIUI Global 8.2.1.0, I tested out the new fingerprint feature, but had to set up a PIN first. I tried to tie it with my Mi account but went to reset the password and never got the email. I restarted my phone, and it asks for the PIN, apparently, it's not the one I use on my other phone. It now takes me two hours before I can try again. My Google account is set up, I can install apps through the Play store, but it doesn't show up on Android Device Manager so I can't reformat it. Xiaomi has the bootloader locked. I can't enable USB debugging because I can't get into the phone. Whenever I install MiFlash or plug the phone in it doesn't ask me about drivers. I then made a deep flash cable.
It doesn't matter what I do, go into fastboot, then plug in the cable and restart while shorting the cables. Entering fastboot while shorting the cables. Nothing shows up in the COM ports. When I fully turn it on and it goes into the OS, it appears under portable devices. If I plug it in while its off and shorting cables, the mi logo pops up and it shows a battery. My understanding is that it should be shorting and the computer will not recognize it as a device to charge (which it is now). The cable is 10 feet long and attached to a USB 2.0 port on the motherboard, not the case. I used a multimeter and the black cable is indeed the ground and green D+. When it's plugged in normally it just shows up under portable devices and not under COM ports.
The best write up I've seen is this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-5s/how-to/guide-flash-xiaomi-mi-5s-chinese-rom-to-t3530834
This has been leaving me scratching my head a bit. Because there is nothing wrong with the phone, and I can't enable USB debugging, is that why I can't get it going to the COM port like in this guide? http://xiaomitips.com/guide/how-to-manually-install-qualcomm-qdloader/
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no need of special cable for hard reset xiaomi redmi 4a just follow this guide