[plug] joysticks/gamepads in Linux

[Dennis Plester]

How do I setup/configure gaming controllers in Linux? 

I want to get a generic (digital) gamepad with 4 buttons, a Microsoft
sidewinder joystick or a Quikshot two button analogue working under Mandrake
7.1 for use in various X programs, including Xmame. The devices are
connected via the game/midi port on my SoundBlaster Live.

They don't seem to work, but I'm not sure how I can tell whether it's the
application config, or in Linux itself.

Where do I start?

Thanks in advance.

Dennis.