Ipad Sync issues

Hi my iPad 2 won't sync to my mac (or any other windows laptop) it will charge fine with the adapter but when the sync cable is connected and the usb connected to a computer there is not a consistent connection the lightning bolt symbol flickers on and off, i have tried numerous new cables also.

Could this be a hardware issue or is there something i can do?

i have not tried doing a factory restore on it or any other methods yet?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers.

I am running the latest version of IOS also.