Getting input from a game controller

[partyman66]

I'm trying to write an application/driver that will be able to take in input from a game controller plugged into the USB port on my PC.

Does anyone know how i can do this?
I have no idea even where to begin with something like this.

If anyone has any sample code or can give me any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Bengi]

search for directx input help/examples.
most games will use directx services for sound/controllers/gfx..etc