Trouble with USB

[MBTC]

It's a frustrating problem, I know -- but for the sole reason that the printer cable is working for you, I would continue down on the path of the cable as the culprit even if it takes a bit of determination. For example, what is the length of the cable that works versus the new cable that doesn't? Longer cables tend to be more problematic, maybe try a shorter length. Also possible you just got a bad cable, maybe buy one from a different source. It might come down to a frustrating process of trial and error, but at least with the cable you're starting with the cheapest component first, which is usually the approach to take.

Honestly I wouldn't mess with external hubs yet -- they usually introduce more opportunity for error and if something is going on with the cable, I think it would only make matters worse. The recommendations I've seen from Access in the past were along the lines of eliminating external hubs where possible when troubleshooting. The benefit they add is of course the additional ports, not a cleaner signal on the line.