Ps3 – Why won’t the PS3 recognize any of the controllers

Have you tried in that order ?

1. Plug the USB port on the controller to the PS3
2. Turn on the PS3
3. Reset the controller
4. Turn it on with the PS3 button in the middle
5. Unplug it

It happened to me once and that worked!

I think the problem might be because you've reset the controller before turning on the PS3 plugged in.

If not, I think something might be damaged since you're opened it to paint. :S

My understanding is that the controller always uses bluetooth and only uses the USB connection for charging and pairing. If you have two PS3s, you'll find that plugging the controller into one with the USB key and pressing PS will pair to the one it is connected to. (Assuming it is on.)

If your controller doesn't charge when connected, there is probably something wrong with the controller's battery.

I have a number of controllers, and two PS3s, and all charge just fine while playing games. I often plug in during a session when I get the low battery warning, turn off the PS3 when done an hour later and have the controller fully charged when I next turn the device on. (It doesn't charge when the PS3 is off, unfortunately.)

Also, when I plug a controller into a connected USB, it immediately does the all lights blinking thing, and pressing PS sets it as a working controller in a second or two.