You won't always find every single hole on a plug sees a pin for it. The likely problem there is the cable not missing pins that simply needs replacing.
The typical flat ribbon type ide cables are known for getting rather dried up and stiff at times then seeing problems when trying to use the drives plugged onto them. The option for a good brand of durable round ide cables gets a little pricey however with the shipping cost over the actual price.
They can found for as low as $9.28 while still seeing a $14.95 shipping for each when shipped from a retail store when ordered online. OUCH! Local repair shops and places like Radio Shack, Target, CompUSA, and others will generally carry the typical flat cable for under $5 usually.
