[resolved!] setting up an xbox controller for pc is always that hard?

Wireless 360 controllers need a special receiver. The USB cable that it uses only carries a charge, not data.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Gaming-Receiver-Windows/dp/B000HZFCT2

thanks for skyrim

DereckShiller, are you trying to use the Plug and Play cable, which is used for charging only, or do you have an actual Wired 360 Controller. This is a different product than the Wireless controller, which requires a receiver to use with your PC.

You need to buy the xbox wireless controller connecton kit

wired controllers are so much easier and don't require any extra purchases or parts.

U need a device like this one. As for me - I bought mine here, works perfectly.

This is one of the many reasons why Wired Xbox 360 are superior in every way. I may add that wired peripherals are Always better too...

Oh, and on the topic of 360 controllers on Windows, little known fact: You can use peripherals attached to your 360 controller on Windows. I've used the mic for this several times as my old comp one died on me and I never got a new one. Haven't tried the keyboard attachment as I don't own it, but that would be kind of funny to see.

Just do it like me, go to a chinese store, buy a controller for like 1/6 the price of an original xbox controller, plug it in, install drivers, start game, play.

It's something i rarelly use, so no need to go over alot of trouble on how to get your 360 controller working on your pc when you can spend some money and buy one that will likely work after u are done installing the drivers.

Not-related to your issue: i bought a controller to play super meat boy, and man oh man i'm amazed on how easy the game turned out to be when i did this. Keyboard was so damn hard and annoying to use. There are some other games i still have to try it out.

Okay guys, thanks to everyone, I'm gonna grab the wireless adapter for 16 euros (the wired controller is 45 euros Oo (and I've already got an official controller dang it)). Will keep you posted, I guess, in case someone else runs into this trouble.

Wired 360 controllers are superior. Case closed.

I got a wired controller just for the PC for $20 from SteelSeries. Cheap, yet pretty sturdy overall.

I bought this. Worked without any problems. I also bought a Play and Charge Kit in order to not to waste AA batteries on the controller. So far I had no problems with the controller both wired and wireless.
It came with the wireless adapter though.

Why would you need the adapter if the PC detected and installed drivers for the controller? I have a controller and when I first tried to use it, I thought it was broken/faulty. Plugged it in, windows installed drivers, started up a game, controller didnt work. Skip past all the uninstalling, reinstalling, installing of other aps and so forth I found out that I had to calibrate the controller. Control panel -> devices and printers -> left click your controller -> calibrate. Worked for me, though it wasnt an M$ controller...