Squeakmail, please don't be offended by my next statement, is the little green light on the front flashing - if it is then there may be no power being supplied - maybe worth checking if the external power supply is ok. Also if possible try it on another pc, if it works then you can narrow down where the problem is.
The FS2000 update you mention maybe the 10MB patch that was issued to update/debug it. If you are using IE it gives you an option when saving downloads to either save it to disk or open/run it, if you open/ran it the files would be updated automatically and auto replace files.
Just had a look at the MS site if you have Direct X 7 you may need to update to 7.0A only 237KB this fixes some problems with Force Feedback
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/r...eleaseID=17322 Also, The SideWinder Force Feedback game controller is a high performance digital device designed to work with a standard IBM-compatible game port. In addition to using Digital Overdrive Technology, the SideWinder Force Feedback game controller uses MIDI output from the game port to send force feedback data to the controller. If MIDI is not available on the game port, a serial adapter is available to transmit force feedback data to the joystick.
Sorry to go on but found this at
http://www.jot-stick.net Q. The green light is flashing on my force-feedback controller. What's up?
A. Your controller is receiving power from the power pack but is not receiving a signal from the gameport. Shut down and reset the connection. Assure you are not using extension cables or switches and that your gameport is properly configured. Also make sure the MIDI set you are using is the default set for your soundcard. The MS FF controllers use MIDI signals to transfer information. If the proper MIDI set is not used the controller will not function properly.
[This message has been edited by spannersatcx (edited 01 February 2000).]