Dual monitor settings on macbook pro 13"

I am using a 13" MacBook Pro (non retina display) that only has 1 thunderbolt port to connect a 2nd display.  I was able to get 2 displays to work by using a mini display port to HDMI adaptor and USB to HDMI adaptor.  However, I can not get the monitors configured correct.  The 2 external monitors are mirrored and the laptop display is the extended desktop (I unchecked mirroring in the display settings).  When I click on the primary display it puts the red box around both external displays.  When I click on the 2nd external (what appears to be in settings) no red box appears on any of the  monitors.  Instead I see a faint line of red between the primary monitor and the laptop display. 
If I close the laptop, I only see the 2 displays in settings, but they are functioning as one.  When I click on the second one no red box appears around either screen. 
The primary monitor is connected with the Thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor and the 2nd external is with the USB to HDMI.
I have also tried turning on and off "displays have separate spaces". Doesn't make a difference.
Any ideas on how to get this configured properly?
Thanks!!

Hello Templeton,
I can't see 'turn on mirroring" or 'mirroring' anywhere.
I went to system preferences, hardware, displays, and the only options are resolutions, colours, brightness, refresh rate, detect displays. Nothing on mirroring at all. this is why I'm confused. I did read about mirroring but can't find it anywhere.

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