Firewire cable problem? External drive

[PaulexPC]

I have a very old external firewire drive 40GB.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419YAKF8J7L._SL500_AA280_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-SIMPLEDRIVE-DELUXE-STI-USB2F-40/dp/B00006HVHC

When I connect it with USB the drive shows up in Finder. It needs an external power supply.

When I borrowed my friends 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable the drive shows up in Finder and needs no power supply. Cool.

I bought an inexpensive Firewire 6 pin to 6 pin cable, plug it in. No Drive in Finder!

When I use USB it appears! Works fine.
I am sort of assuming my cheap Firewire cable is the problem. Would you agree?

[emt1]

I have a very old external firewire drive 40GB.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419YAKF8J7L._SL500_AA280_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-SIMPLEDRIVE-DELUXE-STI-USB2F-40/dp/B00006HVHC

When I connect it with USB the drive shows up in Finder. It needs an external power supply.

When I borrowed my friends 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable the drive shows up in Finder and needs no power supply. Cool.

I bought an inexpensive Firewire 6 pin to 6 pin cable, plug it in. No Drive in Finder!

When I use USB it appears! Works fine.
I am sort of assuming my cheap Firewire cable is the problem. Would you agree?

How could it be anything other than the cable?

[PaulexPC]

Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The three foot Firewire cable was $2.24 on eBay (plus a dollar for postage). I tested the drive with a known firewire cable and it works fine. Thanks.