Esp8266 question with Arduino IDE

Hi this is my first post and my first time really using the Arduino IDE beyond blinking a few LEDs. I hope this is the right forum spot for this question. Please don't flame me if it's not....

Anyway...

A friend gave me 2 esp8266 NODEMCU so I hooked one up to my computer and tried to upload a sketch to just get a blink.

I downloaded what was needed and put all the things in where they are supposed to go as per all the websites and youtube.

Originally the thing was blinking when I hooked it up before trying to load anything into it but now it won't blink at all unless I press reset.

I downloaded some lua loader and esplorer thing since and tried all these other things on the interwebs and downloaded flashers and firmwire stuff that I have no idea what they are or do. I have tried far too many things now and can't get this thing to work.

I think I may have tried too many things and not understanding any of this stuff made a mess.

I have since opened the second NODEMCU and hooked it up but it doesn't even blink like the first one I tried that was already open when I got it.

so at this point.....

My computer recognizes it when its hooked up on usb (typical note tone threw the speakers)

the NODEMCU flashes blue quickly at the D0 LED on the board

in the Arduino IDE I can upload sketches without getting an error but there is no tx/dx blinking or whatever its called like when I use my Ardunio, so I'm not sure what's going on there.

I am at a complete loss here...

I have had no problem with Arduino running sketches and playing with a servo or ultrasonic

What am I doing wrong?

am I supposed to hook up my usb to the Arduino then hook the NODEMCU into the Ardunio to program it?

I've spent over 4 hours now looking around on the web and youtube to try and get this thing to work. I'm at a loss.

thanks in advance for any answer

You followed all the instructions in this ESP8266 and the Arduino IDE | Martyn Currey?

And installed the USB chip drivers specific for your NODEMCU? For me it was cp2102, not sure for you??