Thanks - actually I received the following reply from Saitek to the same question: 'Hi,I still believe that piece of advice is pretty incorrect - it's just something that's picked up speed as people talk on the net. Windows will handle them as they are (as it will for any USB game controller) so you don't need to install the drivers, unless you want to use the programming software.'Now I am scratching my head:)

Don't scratch your head, either install the drivers or don't. No problem.Jim D.

http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtop...1&hl=saitekJust have a read of how I set up my Saitek it may be helpful.