The problem I have with USB cables isn't fixed with letting me know which side of the cable is right-side-up. The problem is that different computer manufacturers have different ways of installing USB ports. On some computers, they're right-side-up. On some, they're upside-down. Most of my fumbling comes in not knowing which way the port is flipped on the physical machine.

At least on my Thinkpad, the interior plastic is bright yellow rather than black. This makes it a bit easier. Still, switching machine to machine as often as I do becomes frustrating.