Why won't any controllers work on my playstation 2?

First of all, I just want to say that this isn't such a straightfoward problem, as I have had this problem with TWO PS2 consoles now.

The first console was my old PS2 that I've had since around 2000, so I wasn't too surprised that when I decided to try it out again last month (after not playing it for around 2 years), I had problems with it.

So here's the issue: the controller (first port) just won't work. It can't be an issue with the controller itself as I've tried 3 different ones, all the same problem. Sometimes the controller will work a bit on certain games, but it'll usually only be something like the up and down arrow keys that work.

I tried replacing the cable inside the PS2 that connects the controller port, but that didn't make a single difference. So I went ahead and brought a new, factory sealed slim PS2 console off ebay.

...And strangely enough, I had almost the exact same issue. The controller worked at first, but then things started getting iffy, like it would started scrolling around rapidly on the system configuration screen, even when I wasn't touching the remote.

Sure enough, the controllers have now stopped worked almost completely, just like on my old PS2. I'm really not too sure what to make of this, it seems very odd that I've got the exact same issue on a new PS2, especially one that's never been used before.

I've tried the new PS2 on 3 different TVs, but that doesn't change anything so it looks like it is indeed an issue with the PS2. I really don't know what's going on here, does anyone have any ideas and/or suggestions on how to fix this?

P.S. Just some additional info, the analog light on the remote still turns on and if I unplug the remote when on a game, it tells me to reconnect it. So it seems to be able to detect the controller just fine, it just won't work.

quote FrankV

Hey it's very much a possibility that your controllers have stopped working. The Sony Dualshock 2 is notorious for becoming non-functional after a certain period of use. I've had two Dualshock2's go out on me. Maybe you should try buying a new controller and testing it on your PS2.

This is very true. I've had more luck with third party controllers than I have with official Sony Dual Shock 2s. Recently I got a $10 GameStop PS2 controller, just to have something reliable.

That being said, check the all the controller plugs and the controller ports for dust, corrosion, damage, etc. If they look fine try unplugging and plugging in the controllers a few times to help get a good connection.

If that doesn't work, try cleaning the connections with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. If still no luck, try different, known working, controllers.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

WHAT ? MEN JUST