External SSD can only connect with USB-C (Montery 12.0.1)

I use a dock like this one https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt-3-dock-14-port with a MacBook Pro (and also another that provides 100 watts) -- these are powered hubs, you can connect multiple external drives via USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt etc. and they all work simultaneously receiving full power from the powered hub. Can also charge to Mac through this powered hub, connect ethernet cable, and can also connect an external display.

I suspect that your hub is either not powered (providing inadequate power to devices) or may not be compatible with Monterey. Or by inserting USB-A-USB-C adaptors plus the hub there is an incompatibility. Inexpensive hubs often have these problems.

You omitted your mac model and the specific hub you are using.

Unless you have a 12” MacBook, I don’t understand why you consider that plugging directly will prevent charging.

If that is the case you should really get a dock that has USB-C power connector, so you get extra ports and can charge your mac at the same time.

Also, as already noted: USB-A port may not provide adequate power to the device, and you are using an old Monterey.

Some hubs do not work with Monterey?

Monterey 12.2.1 was released 2/10. Update if not already updated. This may fix the incompatibility.

To underscore your point Luis, I once tried to connect the T5 to my hub using a Type-C to Type-A USB cable. In this configuration, the SDD did not function correctly, most likely because of insufficient current sourced from the Type-A port.

- Pie Lover

I'm using this USB 3.0 hub (see below) which works with my Samsung T5 connected to the Type-C port.