how do you tell the difference between a usb 2.0 and 3.0 cables

[randel1]

I get an error message when I try to print. The troubleshooter resolves the problem then tells me that some usb devices are incompatible with usb 3.0 and plugging them into a usb 2.0 port can fix the problem. However I have it plugged into a usb 2.0 port and still get that error.

 

[ssddx]

usb 3 cables have 5 pins deeper inside the enclosure and generally have a blue plastic piece in them, they have the 4 further out ones as well so should be backwards compatible. usb 2 only have the 4 further out connectors.

you should be able to use a usb3 cable in two usb 2 ports and it should work fine given that they are designed to be compatible.

i'm thinking your issue is more driver/controller based such as suggested here http://superuser.com/questions/482179/usb-3-0-ports-backwards-compatibility-problems-with-2-0-devices since it should not be port or cable based since they are designed to comply.