script to create a template layer & then add a layer? Possible?

Hello, I am just starting to learn javascript and would like to know if it's possible to do the following:

1. Open multiple .tiff or .jpg files into illustrator
2. On each file's layer 1, template = yes (it's a check box) and click OK
3. Add new layer 2, click OK
4. Save file
5. Close file

I tried creating an action to do this, but it does not work. I am doing some illustrator and photoshop work which has quite a lot of repetitive tasks & I know a script would be a huge timesaver.  This is just one of several scripts that I'd like to learn how to write.  Thanks very much for reading this post and for your help.  Best, Nancy