iPhone won't connect to MacBook

[paperhearts63]

i have an iPhone 4s and i'm having problems connecting it to my macbook. sometimes it won't connect at all or it will connect for a second then disconnect, and sometimes it will rapidly connect then disconnect a lot of times. the usb ports of my macbook do work because i had no problem connecting a flash drive. and i can connect the iPhone using the same cord to another computer without a problem, it just won't connect to my macbook. anyone know what could be wrong?

 

[Mrbobb]

Macbook's USB port dirty. Wiggle it and see.

 

[paperhearts63]

Macbook's USB port dirty. Wiggle it and see.

i just tried that and found that if get it at a certain angle and hold it there then the iPhone will connect, but if i move my hand away it disconnects. so does that mean there's something wrong with the usb ports? how would i clean them?

 

[Mrbobb]

A few blasts of compressed air may do the trick else a mini-file from a hobbyist shop.