USB LEADS, LENGTH THAT IS USABLE

Attempting to connect mobile 'phone via USB tethering to desktop computer, Win 7. No problems with a standard 1 Mtr. cable. When I connect via a longer cable circa 4 Mtrs the 'phone shows as a "not recognised device"
Tried two different cables, same result. I presume that there is a limit to what USB can use?
Using standard USB 2 cables and ports.

Has anyone any experience of using the cheap dumb USB to ethernet devices, as sold on ebay?

The limit is 5m for a high-speed device, 3m for a low-speed device.

Thanks.

It is an area where quality of cable does make a difference. It is also possible to buy boosters for USB cables that allow you to increase the length (I have run USB over 15 meters before using booster cables).

I have used a powered hub with a couple of 3M cables to make it work over a longer distance.