[coldtea]

>The trick is simple, look at the damn connector first.

Wouldn't do you any good, as the port can be on different orientation (up/down) in different devices.

If you mean look at both ends, then duh!. That doesn't count as "first try" though as it's not an actual "try" (and see), but a in-advance planned action...

[titzer]

Nearly all devices that have a horizontal USB port expect the "holes with shadows" side up. Look, then feel a little to jiggle it in. It takes just 2 mins to learn this and it will (well would have) save you years of frustration.