Laptop Cooling Pad USB-C connection issues

[Z∆K]

My Macbook Pro with all USB-C ports won't accept any cooling fan with a USB-C Male end. I know they all work because I've used all the ports for other things and still do. But for some reason, they don't like cooling pads. The only option I found that seems to work is this USB-A with two male ends. One in the cooling pad. One in this USB-C adaptor. I don't understand why the cooling pad would work using an adaptor and not a USB-A to USB-C cord. So weird. Does anyone have a suggestion as to why this is?

Thanks much!
Zak.