The retention plate provides a backstop holding the connector board in place. I’ve seen instances where the retention board was not fully seated (screwed down) which allowed the USB and connector board to move, which made it tricky to fully engage the USB cable.
If the connector board does not move, or if the problem is not resolved, let us know and we can issue an RMA to get the device checked out and repaired as needed.
Trying multiple usb cables exhibit the same behavior. Charging light does not turn on but a slight “bump” of the cable will intiate charging; if the Facet is moves from that position charging stops and the dance begins again.