'Hey bro. I saw this post this morning (well, technically yesterday morning: August 17), and I was having the self-same problem.
I just bought myself a nice computer and used my Madcatz controller (model #4716) on it. It worked on my laptop, but not on this one. Seems as though Microsoft mysteriously got rid of the driver for it on their compatibility site. Madcatz just has an 'idgaf' attitude and only hosts drivers that they didn't throw onto Microsoft's site in the first place.
While going around trying to find a driver for this (I've been working at it all day, mind you), I've had no success. I did, for instance, find XBCD, which is a controller emulator. It doesn't work really. Anyway, I did install that, and then I tried to uninstall it. It didn't uninstall all the way, but I managed to get it to stop attaching itself to my controller.
Without further ado, I will tell you how to fix your controller (provided you're having the same problem as me -- the lights on the controller flash for a moment then stay off)
1. Download the XBox 360 controller software from Microsoft here.
2. After installing that, plug in your USB controller. If it tries to automatically install the software, let it try, then close it out.
3. Open the start menu, and type in 'devmgmt.msc' in the search box. Press enter. You're now in the rather familiar Device Management page!
4. Double click the MadCatz controller in the list. Go to the drivers tab. Click on Drivers in the menu.
5. Click Update Driver. Select you want to do it manually. Now, instead of browsing for some drivers for the software, select the option below (something to do with selecting from a list).
6. In the list, select Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class. Use this and click next. You will get a warning box saying it might do your system harm. Proceed anyway.
7. Your controller now should be lit up and should work properly.
Took me forever to figure this out. I decided I'd register on here and tell you what I found in case you're still following this thread.
Best of luck. Tell me if that solves your problem. <3'
Mad Catz Input Devices Drivers Download This page contains the list of download links for Mad Catz Input Devices. To download the proper driver you should find.
It worked perfectly for me and I can only hope it does the same for you.
Mad Catz Xbox Controller Driver Windows 7
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