Why isn't my PS3 controller charging?

My controller was plugged in while playing a game all night. When I was done I turned off the system and went to sleep. I woke up today and tried to play. I turned on my system and I pressed the PS button on the controller. It loaded up and then after 5 seconds a message said Controller 1 is low. Please plug in a USB cable. So I do that. It then says Maximum charge level reached please unplug on of the devices and there is only the controller.

I've tried all the tips, I've called Sony, went on support and forum sites and tried everything from Reseting the controller, plugging it into my PC & laptop, and re syncing the controller. Nothing is working. The entire time I'm trying all these it just has 1 red flashing light.

It's not the cable because I just got it less than 2 weeks ago and it can charge my friends controller. It's not the system because it charged my friends controller and it is charging my Bluetooth headset.

Unless anyone an idea that doesn't involve taking a hammer to the controller or unscrewing everything and taking it all apart. I guess I'm buying a new $60 controller.

If you need info on the controller it is an original first model of the first version of the Dualshock3 and Sixaxis controllers. This controller has outlasted 2 USB cables, my first PS3, and 2 Bluetooth Headsets. I don't want to let it go but if it must I'll have to. So please try and help me understand what is wrong with this thing. Thank you all.