Tenho ideia que o seguinte artigo se aplica à versão FF e normal do Sidewinder1
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;842957#appliesto
Talvez seja possivel utilizar o Joystick sem ff criando um perfil "custom" através da "add game controler"
com as opções 4 - Axes, 4 - Buttons, Includes a point of view control.
Windows XP does not correctly detect a SideWinder Standard joystick
SYMPTOMS
When you plug a Microsoft SideWinder Standard joystick into the gameport on your Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, the Game Controllers tool in Control Panel does not detect the joystick correctly when you click Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect) to add a game controller. The SideWinder is listed as a Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro with a status of Not Connected.
CAUSE
This problem occurs because Microsoft Windows XP does not provide support for the SideWinder Standard joystick.
Note The original Microsoft SideWinder Standard joystick is no longer supported by Microsoft Product Support Services.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use the Game Controllers tool to manually add a 2-axis, 4-button joystick. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Game Controllers.
3. Under Controller, click Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro, and then click Remove.
4. Click Add.
5. Click 2-axis, 4-button joystick, and then click OK.
6. Click OK to close the Game Controllers tool.