Windows 7: Wired Xbox 360 controller not recognized

Recently purchased an older wired Xbox 360 controller to play emulated retro games on my netbook. From the research I've done, windows should install the correct drivers when I plug the controller into my USB port, correct? Absolutely nothing happens when I plug the controller into the computer. I'm new to PC so I'm sure I'm making a simple mistake. I've downloaded the Xbox 32Bit controller software from microsoft and still nothing. I see nothing in device manager or anywhere else on my computer. The controller doesn't light up when I plug it in or anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Did you try plugging it into more than 1 port? Maybe 1 is bad or something.

Yes, I've tried all 3 USB ports but I still get nothing.

Hit the Start Orb and press the Devices and Printers tab. It should be listed in there.
It should regonize it and install the driver when its hooked up. Mine always has. But, you may try manually running Windows Update.

Now, I do recall something about the 360 controllers and Windows not working.
I can not remember the exact details, but essentially older controllers will not work but the newer ones do.
Perhaps thats the issue? Ill see if I can find that article, its been a while so I could be mistaken here.

Checked devices and printers and it's not showing up there either. Ran windows update manually and still nothing. I'm beginning to think the controller is too old. I've read that it's much easier to get the wired ones to work as opposed to the wireless considering you have to purchase a receiver that is no longer manufactured. I guess I'm out 15 bucks if I can't get my wired controller to work.

I got one of the newer wired ones. The one that says 360 controller for Windows on the box (which works with the 360 as well) and it truly was just plug and play.
Windows recognized it as soon as I plugged it in and installed the appropriate driver. It was up and running in 30 seconds.

Perhaps it is just an older one