M59/H33

Googled result from M59/H33 inquiry...

Looks like they're metal halide. No you can't put a regular HPS bulb in 'em, but there are conversion bulbs that will give you more flexibility, albeit at a slightly lower effeciency. For flowering, you'll likely want those MH conversion bulbs. (it's a special bulb that converts your MH into an HPS spectrum)
Conversion Bulbs

Could be that the cord issue is from:
A) being formerly set-up to use 220 volt power supply. (has a different plug end) Using the lights with a vertical reflector, this is the likely reason.
B) the previous cord being damaged.
C) the ballast not working. (a sleezy sales technique. If the cord isn't there, you won't know it doesn't work till it's too late)

The 'extra' bulbs may be previously used.

Regardless, the price is pretty good, even if you'll need new capacitors and/or ignitors.

MH seems to run a little hotter, and is slightly less effecient, but I'd rather use MH than fluorescent's any old day. Too bad he doesn't have a couple of HPS's available.