When having difficulty with a controller working within a game, you'll want to check to make sure that the game supports the use of controllers as well as if the controller is properly calibrated within Windows. To check if a game supports the use of a controller or other input device, you can simply look on the bottom of the packaging within the minimum requirements. If the game does support the use of controllers, you'll want to make sure that the controller is properly calibrated because most games will look to the operating system calibration tool to verify if the device is functioning properly. Follow these steps to properly calibrate your controller within the operating system:
How to properly calibrate your controller in Windows XP:
Click on the Start button
Click on Control Panel
Double-click on Game Controllers
If you are using a USB Controller, your device will be listed in the Installed Game Controllers field with OK listed as the Status
Note: If the status listed next to the controller does not display an OK, there is an issue with your controller and you should contact the vendor for further support
If you are using a 15-pin Gameport controller your device will not be listed, and you will need to add it manually
Click on the Add... button
Select your controller from the list of available controllers
Note: If your controller is not listed, make sure that you have installed the driver disk which came with your controller
If your controller did not come with a driver disk, select a generic controller configuration which best describes your controller to get basic control functionality
Example: 4-button gamepad
Click OK to add the controller
Note: If the status listed next to the controller does not display an OK, there is an issue with your controller and you should contact the vendor for further support on the device
To configure either types of controllers, click on the Properties button
You should be shown a test screen with a basic button and Axes screen. Test all of the buttons and axes on your controller, and make sure that the buttons and axis on screen move with you
If the controller axes are not centered or buttons are not operating properly, click on the Settings tab
Click on the Calibrate... button
Click Next to start the calibration
Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate your controller
Note: This is different for each type of controller, so pay close attention during this process
Once finished, the status next to your controller should read OK, so click OK to save settings
How to properly calibrate your controller in Windows 95/98:
Click on the Start button
Click on Settings
Click on Control Panel
Double-click on Game Controllers
If you are using a USB Controller, your device will be listed in the Game Controllers field with OK listed as the Status
Note: If the status listed next to the controller does not display an OK, there is an issue with your controller and you should contact the vendor for further support
If you are using a 15-pin Gameport controller your device will not be listed, and you will need to add it manually
Click on the Add... button
Select your controller from the list of available controllers
Note: If your controller is not listed, make sure that you have installed the driver disk which came with your controller
If your controller did not come with a driver disk, select a generic controller configuration which best describes your controller to get basic control functionality
Example: 4-button gamepad
Click OK to add the controller:
Note: If the status listed next to the controller does not display an OK, there is an issue with your controller and you should contact the vendor for further support on the device
To configure either types of controllers, click on the Properties button
You should be shown a test screen with a basic button and Axes screen. Test all of the buttons and axes on your controller, and make sure that the buttons and axis on screen move with you
If the controller axes are not centered or buttons are not operating properly, click on the Settings tab
Click on the Calibrate... button
Click Next to start the calibration
Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate your controller
Note: This is different for each type of controller, so pay close attention during this process
Once finished, click Apply to save settings
Controller Driver Links:
Gravis: http://www.gravis.com
Logitech: http://www.logitech.com
Thrustmaster:http://ts.thrustmaster.com