Since updating the joystick driver (via an internet download) the joystick buttons and point-of-view hat no longer work. Reconfiguring the joystick via Gaming Options in the Control Panel does not help as it won’t let me configure the buttons, only the axes, throttle and POV Hat. Also, I tried to configure the joystick via the setup option within two different flight simulator games, which show the buttons correctly assigned. Finally, I deleted the updated driver which I downloaded and reverted to my original version by removing the joystick via Gaming Options and then reinstalled the joystick. None of this has worked and I can’t fire the guns nor see different views using the POV Hat. I have Windows 98. Do you have any suggestions that may help?

This is certainly a tricky question! Firstly, the obvious, ensure that you have the correct drivers installed for your joystick. You must install the drivers specifically designed for your brand and model of joystick so that the computer will recognise the button configuration and the POV hat. Secondly, make sure that the joystick is assigned controller ID 1 in the ‘Game Controllers’ control panel. To do this, in the Game Controllers control panel, click the ‘Advanced’ tab (or button if you are using Windows XP). A window will appear. Under the ‘Controllers ID’s’ heading, click the line for whichever number you wish to use (probably line 1 for controller ID 1). Click the ‘Change’ button. In the list of ‘Game Controllers’, select your joystick. To do the equivalent procedure in Windows XP, after clicking the ‘Advanced’ button, simply select the joystick which is not working properly as the ‘Preferred Device’. Finally, if you are using a Microsoft SideWinder joystick, your issue may be related to the profiles function. Make sure that the profile you have currently selected corresponds with the game you wish to use the joystick with (otherwise the buttons and POV hat may not work).