Hi Lisa
Might need to check what the OS itself sees
Do this tests - with your multiple cables and adapters
But start Without anything connected
Open a Terminal - then type this code in and press enter
(it will list all USB devices)
ioreg -p IOUSB
Get a baseline image and save it with no USB device connected.
Then try the same code as you plug the laser with the multiple cables. If no cable creates a change on the listed devices there might be a USB problem
(Also if possible use a Windows computer for sanity check?)