[milliegram]

I have a Microsoft LifeCam HD-6000 that I have been using 24/7 since 2012 with an older MacBook6,1 running OS X 10.6.8. It has been connected to the computer with an extension USB cable and has been working fine all this time. However, in the last month or so it has stopped working. The computer is located in a vacation home and is not used for anything except the webcam. (No settings have been changed, no new programs added.). The camera works when it is connected directly to the computer; it also works when connected directly to a newer MacBook running OS X 10.8. But if I try to connect it to either of the two computers with the USB extension cable, the computer does not see it. I tried a new USB cable in case the original one was bad. No difference.... I have also tried different USB ports on the computers.

Whatever could have caused a camera that was working with a USB extension cable to all of a sudden stop working? I would appreciate any and all suggestions, since I really need to use the USB cable to position the camera in a window.

Thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[Deejay100six]

Hi,

Short answer......things do eventually wear out and stop working. Unless the device was particularly expensive and came with something like a 5 year guarantee, then perhaps its time for a replacement.

First thing I would do, try the webcam on another computer and if possible borrow a webcam to try on your computer.

 

[bassfisher6522]

Whatever could have caused a camera that was working with a USB extension cable to all of a sudden stop working?

My guess would be some sort of electrical spike or like Deejay has stated...it just simply got old.

 

[milliegram]

Thanks for both of your replies. However, as I said, I have already tested the camera with a different computer and without the extension USB cable. It works on both computers as long as it isn't connected to the extension cable. That somehow seems to be a factor. I suppose both USB cables could be bad, but that doesn't seem to be very likely, especially since one of them was brand new. I guess I will have to look into a new camera.

Any other ideas? Thanks for your help.