Precision 2 Problem!! HELP!

[ecco123]

I just bought a new precision 2 joystick ready for when i get a copy of fs2002 but i cannot get it to work. How hard can it be to install a joystick?!?! I run the install program as the instruction manual says, the software installs okay then it moves onto connection and testing. The screen says connect the joystick to the USB port - so I do. A grey windows box then appears saying 'detected new hardware precision 2 - windows is now intalling the software etc' once this happens i click next on the setup screen and i get 'Setup is unable to detirmine wether the joystick is connected blah blah'. WHY DO I GET THIS HORRIBLE MESSAGE?? I have tried both USB ports on my comuter - both with the same results. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling etc. The first time i installed the joystick i got as far as a promp to insert my windows 98 cd - then i got the blue screen because i removed the damn installation cd!! I thought microsoft of all people could make a simple install! I have also checked my device manager - all USB port working correctly and under game controllers the Precision 2 is listed. So why does it not work. I tried setting up the joystick manually using control panel. However the stick is not in the list and i cannot find the drivers on either the installation disk or the windows 98 disk. PLEASE HELP. Sorry for such a long boring complaint!
Cheers
Steve
If anyone has the driver to send to me that would be useful.

[munnst]

What version of Direct X are you using?

With the joystick plugged into the USB port, goto CONTROL PANEL, GAME CONTROLLERS. Is your Joystick Displayed and does it say Connected?

[ecco123]

Hi, thankyou for your response. No its not listed in the menu. So i couldnt tell you if it says connected or not. The precision pro is listed but not the precision 2.

[ecco123]

Oh its direct x 8 bye the way.

[munnst]

This may not be similar to your problem however when I install DX8 with my MX300 Soundcard and Sidewinder FFPro the joystick does not work and is shown as not connected in [Control Panel/Game Controllers].

Could be a directX8 problem. You will need to remove DX8 with a utility (look in shareware.com) and install DX7. FS2002 uses DX7.

With the Joystick plugged into the USB port goto [system/properties] for your joystick and see if there are any problems displayed.

If this does not work try searching www.microsoft.com for a USB patch (search the knowledge base).

If this does not work have you tried searching the joystick companies website for a patch?

Can't think of anything else...

[ecco123]

Thanks - ill try that now

[ecco123]

What is the utility calle that im looking for at www.shareware.com?

[ecco123]

Is there such a thing as USB port drivers and if so, is it possible mine are not the correct type? even though i have a modern pc. If they do exist - where do i get updaed versions?