I am trying to install a combination single pole switch and pilot light where a sigle pole light switch existed. The exsisting switch had just two black wires connected and one is live power. There are white wires in the box but they bypass and did not connect to the exsisting switch. I've tried different schemes but I want the light to come on when the switch is on for my attic. Brand name is cooper wiring on the new switch.

Your two blacks are the wires that will complete the circuit for the light. One black goes on each screw on the side of the switch with copper colored screws. You need to cut a white wire and connect a pigtail with a wire nut. This pig goes to the silver screw on the side of the switch, it's the neutral need to make the light bulb work.