Dualshock3 Controller question

[jaymzbo]

Greetings all....searching on the forum yielded me this:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/search.php?searchid=1439014

none of which seemed to answer my question concerning the Sony Dualshock3 Sixaxis controller and my apparent inability to either charge it fully or to sync it, I'm just not sure.

Specifically, DS3 is connected to port1 of 60Gig PS3 via miniUSB cord, flashes for a while and pressing PS button confirms that it is indeed charging. I can use the controller while connected to PS3 via cord. After flashing stops I disconnect cord and light goes off, and I cannot control anything.

At the same time, I pressed PS button on another controller I have (not Dualshock) and it is assigned to 2 as if 1 was assigned to the DS3 although no lights or functions work on DS3

Here's what I have tried in addition to reading threads here:

1) pressed RESET button on back of DS3
2) powered PS3 with DS3 connected already (unit flashes a few times then is blank) pressing PS gives control and 1 is lighted but when disconnected unit flashes a few times and then...no red light or control
3) Powered PS3 w/o DS3 connected and then connected it; same thing happens as 2) above
4) attempted to power PS3 on by pressing PS button on DS3 (both when connected via USB and not)
5) turned PS3 completely off via switch on back for a few minutes and retrying
6) held power button on PS3 for a few secs
7) had tried this on FW 2.53 and have now updated to 2.60
8) took 1st DS3 back to Walmart and am having same luck w/2nd
9) don't have another PS3 to test things out on
In all cases with the DS3, after it stops flashing and I hold PS button to check charge level, there is but a mere - ;

My other controllers work fine (one has malfunctioning L1 button but still works otherwise); usb cable seems to be fine; just got done using it today for FW update as well as charging it up yesterday.

The only difference is that the new one has Dualshock and the others do not. As this is my second DS3, I am wondering what the problem could be.

Is there a function on the PS3 menus that I need to set to support Dualshock ? I just can't figure it out....can you help me troubleshoot as I appear to have exhausted Sony's knowledge database....thanks