Can a bad switch cause 169 ip address

I'm lost here.

Small network of 5 computers

Modem > router > single cable going in the wall > 3 switches in between > 2 pc and 3 Mac computers wired connection...

All Mac and pcs have dhcp issues. They get 169 ip addresses instead of 192. Everything was fine last night until we walked into the office this am.

I connected a laptop directly to the modem via ethernet. No issues. It gets 192 ip. Directly to the router, same. No issues. 192 ip.

Router also broadcasts wifi. No issues.

Both modem and router are dhcp enabled. Automatically detect settings.

I rebooted modem and router. All switches too. Firmwares up to date.

Questions;

Can a bad switch cause this? Can there be broken cables in the walls? Do I need to check the connections with a cable tester? Or all software/setting related? It's the same both on pcs and macs.

Any thoughts welcome.