Webcam with usb extension Cable

I just purchased a Logitech QuickCam Sphere camera. When I connect the device to my Ubuntu box using a 6-ft usb extension cable, the option to use the highest resolution is gone.

Does this mean I have a faulty cable or is this to be expected from a device pushing 940x720 through usb? If it doesn't mean I have a bad cable, is there some sort of powered USB extension I could get that would take care of this?

Is the camera powered from the USB port? If so, the extension cable may be causing enough of a voltage drop that the camera can't draw enough current to operate at max resolutuion.

Try plugging the camera into an externally powered USB hub. The hub can be on the extension cable, since it will get it's power from a wall adapter, not the USB port on the PC.