I've got the same problem, but what I found works is if you restart your computer and press the Sync button on the controller, when Vista (I dunno about XP) boots up the controller connects. Once you let it sit idle for a monute or so it turns off and disconnects and u have to restart again.
Here's something interesting I found and might be the answer to the problem (but not the solution):
http://whql.microsoft.com/HCL/ProductDetails.aspx?g=&cid=403&sv=&f=&pn=Microsoft%20Xbox%20360%20Wireless%20Controller%20for%20Windows&oid=33
This is making me angry, I've waited so long for this thing...
I have a problem to. When I press the sync button on the receiver the light blinks then I press and hold the sync button on my wireless controller and the ring of light is spinning.
What happens after is that the light on the receiver stops blinking and the lights stop spinning just blinking
No connection
Can someone help?
I tried the reboot thing and it didnt get me anywhere it just keeps blinking.
URGHH
Wow I'll give that a shoot and what happens.
I had mine pluged in a usb port on my MB and it would not connect but then i pluged it in to the front panel it did
I got mine today :)
Installed the Software (check) (XPPro 32bit)
plugged in wireless gaming receiver (check) (front USB - since the back is full lol), and it works fine.
You go thru the same conneciton procedure as for linking the wireless controller with the 360
my only wishlist item, is that you could turn the controller off with a button, like you can on the 360
so what, I gotta unplug the batteries or let it time out and go to sleep?
I have the same problem and I found the solution. First disconnect the Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver then I go to the device manager and remove all USB hub so after that you should not have any option with Universal Serial Bus controller then hit the Scan for hardware changes…. Wait for detect your devices like mouse keyboard bla bla (LOL I was lock to access my computer with remote desktop connection my keyboard and mouse are USB) anyway after that connect the Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver then sync and BUALA! Work perfect….
Sorry for my bad English…. LOL
I was really pissed when mine didn't work, i called My Xbox 4 times and the only one who actually knew what he was talking about was call number 3. But i eventually got it working, try doing this everyone who is having trouble with it. Turn off your computer, unplug the wrieless gaming receiver, turn on the computer. Let it boot up, log on and then as soon as every thing is working properly THEN plug it in, it will work then. trust me i spent like 3 hours trying to figure it out.
I'm having a different problem with my headset, I can hear with it but when I try to use it for input in vent or sound recorder everything comes out faint and garbled, as in a series of clicks, beeps and scratches.
p.s. confirmed that it works fine on my 360.
Here is what worked for me.
1. Unplug all the USB peripherals that are currently plugged into the PC.
2. Turn off and reboot.
3. When you return to Windows, connect the xbox controller first. This worked for me
4. Plug in the rest of your stuff.
I got this method to work for me. Also, it will reconnect once you disconnect it. you dont have to restart again