Why would a USB cable extension fail?

[Kwod]

I had my Logitech 518 mouse connected to a 600mm USB extension cable, and it appears that the cable has failed, as just plugging the 518 into the USB port works as normal.
I was constantly getting that USB connected sound you get when you plug a USB device in.

Isn't it kind of strange for a simple USB cable to fail?...I've never had a VGA, DVI, HDMI or any RCA fail on me in the history of my computing/TV's, so I was rather surprised to discover it was the culprit.

 

[natr0n]

usb extension cables fray and/or you get a power loss when too long distance.

 

[Jstn7477]

It's only a 2 foot long cable, so I bet cable fray or a loose solder joint occurred, especially if the cable was continuously bending, moving or getting hung up on something. Most USB cables typically remain stationary during their life.

 

[r9]

Some devices are more sensitive to USB cable length. External Harddrives are the most sensitive to USB cable quality and length. It is possible the cable still work for other devices try FLASH drive or web cam. Or could be that the cable is damaged.

 

[cadaveca]

Or could be that the cable is damaged.

Or the port itself is no longer capable of driving the signal that far. USB ports blow quite often, such that board makers ahve put fuses and such in the ports, sometimes one port dies, and then both in that pair die, and sometimes only that single port fails.

Anyway, could be a power issue(sounds weird for a mouse, but the mouse could be faulty too, causing a high power draw)...



Or...could just be that the cable was of poor quality.

 

[Kwod]

usb extension cables fray and/or you get a power loss when too long distance.

Thing is, I used the extension when I watch my HDTV from bed{about 2.7mtrs away} and I've been doing so since early 2010.....plus, I've dropped my poor old 518 so many times now, I was sure it was going to be it or the mobo.

Anyway, I guess the very cheapest component breaking is ideal.

 

[Kwod]

Or...could just be that the cable was of poor quality.

I got the torch out, but for the life of me couldn't find/read a brand name on the cable....
Anyway, the mouse is back in the same port sans the ext cable and all is well