farmboy-

Have you already tried rebooting the computer and printer? If that doesn't work, I'd suggest reinstalling the printer software... I have all hp printers where I work and have had to do both to different computers on the network to get scanners to work properly. You could likely go to your printer's website and download the latest software there...

I have never seen a printer cable that just 'went bad', but suppose it's a remote possibility. 

good luck -jim