Microsoft Sidewinder Game Controller Not Recognized in Windows XP (320554)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q320554

SYMPTOMS

If you use a Microsoft SideWinder USB Game Controller with Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you may experience one of the following symptoms:
  • When you plug in the controller, Windows XP does not detect or install the controller. The Found New Hardware Wizard is not displayed.
  • When you try to add a game controller in Game Controllers Control Panel and you specify Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect), the controller is not detected.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur when static builds up in the controller.

RESOLUTION

To discharge the static, follow these steps:
  1. Turn off the computer with the game controller still plugged in.
  2. Unplug the game controller from the port into which it is plugged.
  3. Plug the game controller into the other USB port on your computer, and then unplug it again.

    NOTE: If you do not have a second USB port, plug and then unplug your controller between six and 12 times in the same port.
  4. With the game controller unplugged from the USB port, restart the computer.
  5. When you see the Windows desktop, plug the game controller back in.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about game controllers that are no longer recognized, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

303499 GamePad: GamePad Is Not Listed in the Game Controllers List as Expected

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/19/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB320554
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