7 points
From what I’ve read, Microsoft just decided to drop support for the PL-2303HXA/ TA/TB/HXD/RA/SA/EA. Some people report that RA chipsets still work some of the time, but inconsistently.
You can also sometimes forcibly install old drivers, that will continue to work.
3 points
Ah sounds like two compounding issues then! I referenced this issue https://www.sleepyponylabs.com/blog/pl2303 since so many cables I had previously, even from the router and switch maker that came with the device, stopped working.
Great to know that there’s a whole other bunch of issues around these cables further making life tough for consumers.