My nemesis is the "charge only" cable. I plug it in and can't figure out why my devices won't connect.
Get a cable tester.
Test every cable and cut up/throw away the ones you do not love.
Then order more really good ones than you can justify and keep them handy.
(Speaking as someone that bought a tester but rarely uses it. If the cable doesn't at least work to connect my laptop and whatever peripheral that I have handy at time: trash can.$