PC Can't get T500RS to work with Pcars on Alienware Alpha

I can't get my T500RS to work with AC or Pcars on an Alienware Alpha. I'm brand new to PC gaming so I hope this is something simple. I've downloaded and installed drivers from Thrustmaster to no avail. Wheel red light shines briefly and wheel does a partial spin and that's it. Still works fine with GT6 on PS3. War Thunder works great. Update: It was the USB extension cable.