Question mark on startup when reinstalling OSX

Hi,
The question is about my MacBook Pro 13’’ 2.9 Ghz Mid-2012.
I will start of by writing a summery of the history of problems before asking the question.

10 months ago my HD failed. I bought a new Samsung 500GB SSD but the disc utility failed to recognize it. I solved the problem by replacing the hard drive cable, whereupon I successfully installed the OSX. Until this week everything has worked fine: The problems started when installing an update for Yosemite. The system became unstable, it froze and would shut down spontaneously and have some problem with the prohibitory sign error upon startup. Believing it was just a bad update, I was happy to see that a new update for Yosemite was released the following day, though installing it just worsened the problem: The instability was left, but now it would get stuck at the prohibitory sign every startup (except when draining the battery to zero, then it would start up just fine for some reason). I did the Apple Hardware Test (no error), checked the disc in the Internet recovery disc utility (no error), NVRAM reset and SMC reset. The problems persisted so I figured I might as well swipe the disc and do a new clean reinstall of the OS. I did a secure erase (writing over the disc with zeroes) but it failed after one hour for some reason. I then reformatted the disc to Mac OS Extended Journaled and partioned it. When installing the OS, at the restart it now get stuck at the question mark error. I have tried reaching the boot disc by pressing “options” on startup, but when choosing it I still get stuck at the question mark. I have also tried to erase and reformat the drive repeatedly but with the same result.

Now to the question: I have read that this could be a problem with the hard drive cable failing, but I do find it unlikely having changed it so recently. Furthermore, unlike last time, the disc utility do recognize the hard drive. What do you guys think I should do?

Best Regards,
JL

I have cross-posted in following forums:
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6126_102-640560/question-mark-on-startup-when-reinstalling-osx/
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7014032

Now to the question: I have read that this could be a problem with the hard drive cable failing, but I do find it unlikely having changed it so recently. Furthermore, unlike last time, the disc utility do recognize the hard drive. What do you guys think I should do?

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It sure appears that your SSD is failing or has failed. It's unlikely the SATA cable could go bad after such a short time. Is the Samsung SSD still under warranty and do you have a backup?

You could have another cable fault or a faulty SSD. Only putting the SSD into a USB connected case or a caddy, then attempting to re install the OS again will prove what is playing up. Apple have previously changed the P/N of the cable, indicating a manufacturing change. Also only 2 weeks ago at work I replaced a cable that had only been replaced 5 months back by another AASP due to repeated OS installs failing. Additionally the top of the cables connector that mates with the logic board should have a black foam pad on it. Apple Stores and AASP's should fit when they are missing. Until further tests are conducted it could be the SSD or cable.

Is the Samsung SSD still under warranty and do you have a backup?

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Yes, I have all the essential data backed up, and the warranty is still active. I have to be sure though it really is the hard drive failing and not the sata-cable before sending it to Samsung Service, so it's probably a good idea to invest in a USB connected case anyhow i guess. Are there any affordable ones you would recommend?