I understand that the best controller for PC games is a x360 controller but for now, i have a regular USB gamepad, it doesnt even have a brand name, and i wanna try and make it work with some games. 
 
A friend says that he changed the controller's registry to a famous brand name so games would identify it or something, and we tried doing what he did in the registry but it didnt change anything.. he has XP and i have Vista, and the vista options and windows are so smooth that they feel like they dont do a goddamn thing so i guess.. i dunno. 
 
Is there a way? thanks for any help. 
 
P.S. it only works with Fifa 10 .. 

i mean whats the point of this gamepad im holding in my hand if it apparently doesnt work for PC,  and cant work with any consoles cuz the controllers must be those made for the consoles ? 
 
are you telling me they make these gamepads and.. u cant use em anywhere? WTF.

Yeah, the big Games For Windows Lives games use a different input library these days which is only compatible with the 360 controller. Complete bullshit if you ask me.

Try using xpadder.
 
It allows you to map keyboard controls and such to your gamepad, and allows for joystick controls as well.  I recommend it if there is no other alternative.
 
EDIT:  I also recommend finding it for free, which I'm pretty sure can be done easily enough.

Try finding that gamepad's drivers.  
 
But if you have a 360 just use a 360 controller, if you have a PS3 use a Sixaxis controller. 

" Try using xpadder.  It allows you to map keyboard controls and such to your gamepad, and allows for joystick controls as well.  I recommend it if there is no other alternative.  EDIT:  I also recommend finding it for free, which I'm pretty sure can be done easily enough. "

" @Tuffgong: Curious, I've been using a program called JoyToKey, and JTK is free.  Does it work similarly? "

I would really just suggest buying a wireless 360 with a wireless receiver dongle. Sure it's more expensive, but it works with the vast majority of games (including even more obscure or indie games like Touhou and The Path). You don't need to configure anything or worry about it not working with a game. An example of such a bundle can be found here  http://cgi.ebay.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Controller-PC-Windows-Gaming-Receiver_W0QQitemZ120492967708QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo_Games_Accessories?hash=item1c0df0c71c#ht_2872wt_939, although if you look around you can find it cheaper. I bought my wireless 360 controller + PC dongle for only $39.99. 

you could use this to make your pc think you're using a 360 pad
 
i haven't tried it myself though

Just get the wired 360 controller & be done with it.  Why waste time on something trivial & insignificant to the larger scheme of things?

Just get JoyToKey.  Problem solved.