USB uses four conductors. Should be easy to play with, but the connectors are (almost?) always molded-on, so it will be difficult to fix them. But I'm not convinced the cable is bad, unless you abused ...
A major revamp of the ports and cables of the ubiquitous connection technology will make USB connectors reversible, slimmer, and better at transmitting data and power. Stephen Shankland worked at CNET ...