Hi, Arlene.
Have you tried viability tests with your seeds?
Once I've tried a seed a time or two and had no results, I'll try different soaking methods. If you have enough seeds that experimentation is possible, you might try soaking a couple of seeds in water in the refrigerator, and/or a couple of seeds in hot tap water. I use small ziplock baggies and open the bags for air exchange every day or so. Change the water any time it starts to look cloudy, and pot up your seeds immediately once germination takes place. If I don't see signs of change by day three or four I drain the bag of seeds onto a small piece of coffee filter or piece of paper towel, wetting it, and return to baggie. Switch the cold baggie to a warm location, or the warm one to the refrigerator, leaving the baggies open slightly, and watch to see what happens. Ensure that the seeds don't dry out. This can save months of waiting and wondering.
