Identifying the respective pin numbers of a USB to DB9 male adapter

Typically, pins 2 & 3 are the Rx & Tx pins and 5 is Gnd.
If you look into end of the connector you can usually see pin numbers. 1-2-3-4-5 are all along the "top row" which is the wider part of the connector.
If things aren't talking, switch the wires between 2 & 3.