I'm trying to use my xbox wireless controller to play skyrim on the PC. Though it's a wireless controller, I'm using the wire for it so the USB plugs right in. It makes a 'ding' sound, but when I open Skyrim, it doesn't work.

I've been reading up on this trying to solve the problem, and downloaded some drivers (actually for windows 7...I have windows 8). But there doesn't seem to be a win 8 specific driver, and I read that the win 7 driver should work fine. But how do I check to see that my drivers are installed and updated?

The wireless controller needs an wireless adapter to work, the USB cable only carries power, not data. The controller still connects via the wireless connection.

ahh, thank you. So I need a wired controller, that's probably the best route, eh? Do I need to get an actual xbox controller, or will a generic work?

You can try that: http://www.umnotablogger.com/gamebox/content/1122-tutorial-how-to-make-your-generic-controller-emulate-the-xbox-360-controller.html

----------------------

I have found that too:

How do I configure a USB controller to Skyrim PC?

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Xpadder.shtml

Generic ones work. I have a Logitech one since it was only $20, Most of the Xbox wired controllers were over $60.