How to get the DualShock 2 controller to work as an XBOX 360 controller for Skyrim

I'm still interested in the real answer to this question, but in the end, I just found a controller that works.

For anyone else who really wants to do this, keep trying different controllers until you find one that works. I recommend quality console controllers (gamecube, PS2, xbox) if you already have them, connected using USB adapters, or cheap USB gamepads from eBay.

The one that worked for me cost about $7 (bought from wholesaler xinga.com years ago but try ebay etc). It's a semi-transparent (purple) chinese knock-off of the standard PlayStation 2 dualshock controller. Windows recognises it as "PS converter", so the electronics are probably identical to USB PlayStation 2 controller adapters sold by the same company (and many/most other companies, probably).

If it looks OK in the windows game controller control panel, Joy2Key is the issue.

Try using xPadder instead, it is far superior to Joy2Key. There is a free version linked in this question: How can I emulate keyboard and mouse commands with a game controller?

Also if it's this adapter, it says something about changig the function of the stick by holding start and A for 3 seconds: http://www.mayflash.com/Products/PCUSB/PC051.html