Driver Problems?

[R4L]

Ok, heres the ordeal. I like to play Super Smash Bros. on Kaillera, and I would like to use my Microsoft Sidewinder controller. It was given to me from my uncle, and it worked too, all I would have to do is plug it in my USB and configure it on PJ64k, but now, my computer doesn't even detect the damn thing. It's been pissing me off lately too, because as much as I would like to solve the problem, I have no idea where to start. I figured it was a driver but am I wrong?

EDIT: Heh, I think I should mention that it is the Microsoft Sidewinder Plug & Play Gamepad
here is a link to the image:

http://ascii24.com/news/i/hard/article/2000/03/27/images/images610957.jpg

EDIT: Never mind, I seem to have found the problem. It happens to be the cord, near the USB end. If I tug on it just a bit, I can use it. So is it a short or something? Is it safe to use in my computer?