My camera has stopped recognising my shutter release cable?

I have a Nikon D5000 and have started doing some night photography and with some nice results, however I bought a 'Shoot' shutter release cable from Ebay a few weeks back, initially everything went well, however my camera has stopped recognising it, if the back of the camera is lit up & I press it, the camera goes dark as if there's something happening, but the actual shutter release doesn't activate… It was fine last night when I was out using it.
I appreciate any advice given

It seems that your generic remote shutter release is not working

Why you did not buy the Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control is something only you know

http://www.amazon.com/...00007EDZG/

$22 is not a lot of money.

Shoot? Intervalometer? Check batteries? Check plug? Unplug and reattach plug?