Emulator

If by that you mean empty the config folder that is found in the user folder, I did
that and still no dice. Nothing registers.

Still nothing :( This is really saddening.

Funny...Try any other input devices that you have. If you have a linux dual-boot,
try it there.

That's not likely to fix it though...
Does the configuration screen show any input?

Sorry, but what do you mean by configuration screen?

The button mapping window.

Indeed it does. All the buttons and I can change them and everything.

Then put this in your plugins directory:
http://members.cox.net/marcusw/Plugin_PadSimple.dll
It's my r2553 build of padsimple, and it works for me.

I don't think it's an issue with my version of the emulator or my plugins. I used
your file and it didn't help, and this happens with every NEWER version of Dolphin I
get. It's my belief now that I may be missing something from my computer that is
necessary to run Dolphin properly. I recently had to wipe my computer clean from all
data because of a crash so that may have something to do with it. I have DirectX9c
and the newest C++ Library (2008 sp1) but I'm not sure what else is needed.

What pad plugin do you use ?
For the PS3 controller you'll need nJoy (0.3) and for the keyboard you may use the
standard KB/X360 pad plugin (not the event one)
Is that what you are using ?

Yeah, I would try installing sp2 or sp3. It think they check for any files that
should be there and aren't and stuff like that. You can also try using your windows
setup disk to "repair your installation", or reinstall your directinput driver (if
that's what the kb/x360 pad uses, jpeterson can probably tell you).

When I used the njoy for the ps3 I somehow got past the start screen but nothing
else responded and I'm not sure exactly how I got there anyways. I don't seem to
have the xbox/kb plugin...

Wasn't that what I gave you?

directx 9c is not new enough for padsimple, get the november 08 directx runtimes

you mean too new?

no the latest DirectX is from November 2008 (i think, there could be a newer
version), directx9c is from a long time ago

oh, ok.

One more time. No dice. On any of your suggestions :(

Really sorry about this...I hate it when something works for everyone except me,
like in issue 690.

Again, really sorry no one can help you. If you keep installing, uninstalling,
reinstalling, troubleshooting, and googling, you'll eventually fix it. Might take a
while, though.

Is it OK with you if I mark this as invalid, as it's only happening with one
computer and is therefore most likely not a problem with Dolphin? Speaking of which,
does it work on any other computers that you have?

Sure, it looks like it's just my issue not the emulators, mark it as invalid. Its
just a bit bothersome :/ The only other comp isn't exactly mine and is vista so it
will be a bit of an issue trying to run it there...I guess I need a new comp
anyways. Mine's getting old. Thanks for the input though guys! I appreciate that you
tried to help.

This is not only your problem dude, I am having the same problem, I have a PS2 to
USB which works for every single emulator I have ever used, except this one. All the
plugins read the name of it, but I can't configure them.

helgenx, did you try renaming sdl (1.2).dll to sdl.dll?

I am having the same problem, and its only with the newer version, i am using a
logiteh Gamepad, (looks just like PS2 controller). i have tryed the gamepad with
older versions of dolphin, and it had worked, i think its just my computer?

am having similar problem too...
my pc responses to my ps3 controller inputs... but not in dolphin...
i have other emulators which responds to it too...

had a similar problem but managed to fix this.

Open Dolphin and click config (wrench symbol)

Go to the plugins tab, look for the 'Pad' drop down menu and select nJoy.

Then go the the Pad config window and enable the motioninjoy controller.