Through the haze of advancing years and long hours at the bar, I seem to recall that the USB "standard" has some limitation on the maximum length of cable between devices for reliable operation. I can't quote a figure, and I haven't the specifics to suggest whether it's a factor in your case.
I do know that my USB wireless internet device will not work with a 2 metre extension cable, but is OK with a 1 metre cable or shorter. It seems that some devices are fussy about this; your drive may be one of them.
Conversely I have operated one of my Canon printers with a 5 metre cable without any problems.
Substitution of known good cables of varying lengths may find a workable solution if you can swap with someone else who has a variety of cables to try. Puzzling, but all part of the experiment that is modern technology.
FoR