N300 model EX2700 unable to connect to main router

I am attempting to use the N300 as a wi-fi extender by connecting it wirelessly to my Actiontec T2200H.  I was unable to get the WPS feature to work so I did the setup manually.  I followed all of the steps in the manual.  I am able to connect my computer to the 'NETGEAR_EXT" network and configure the N300 settings but I am not able to get the 'router' light on the N300 to light up.  I can confirm the following:

• My router is using MAC address filtering so I entered the MAC address for the N300 into the 'enable' list on the router.  
• I am within wifi range of the router -- no more than 15 feet away with only a drywall wall in between.  My computer gets a strong signal to the router in that same location.
• The router was initially configured with WDS (Wireless Distribution System) disabled, so  enabled it and entered the MAC address of the N300 in the correct field, setting it as a repeater.  The N300 will not connect either way.
• The N300 does identify the wi-fi network that I want to extend and gives me the option of changing the extended network's name and password settings.  I am able to connect other devices to the newly created extension network but those devices are unable to connect to the internet.
• The MAC addresses and passwords I am using are correct.  I have verified them numerous times.
• I've been through the setup process several times now.  Each time it fails to work, I reset the N300 the factory settings and try again.
• I am plugging the N300 directly into the wall -- no power bars.

Any suggestions?