Probably not. Disconnect your cable and any joystick. If FMS runs fine without any cable or joystick (Computer won't crash using keyboard) It IS your cable that is faulty. If it behaves the same, your Operating System or FMS is faulty. This should hopefully steer you in the right direction. As a power user, I was never happy with Win98. It is completely unstable and insecure. That said, I must admit I know near nothing about my new favorite OS... Windows XP. I personally don't care to own an interface cable, but would LOVE to get FMS to work with Windows XP. Forget compatibility mode under properties! Maybe someone has a "trick" out there? Win2K.. No Comment.

Not to distract from this thread but If someone can can "enlighten" me. Computer specs are as follows:
Abit kd7 MB
Enough HD space
512 MB of RAM
AMD XP 2600+
8x AGP ATI Radeon 9500 PRO (One step under their flagship; better than the 9600 taking it's place, and going the way of the dodo). Incidentaly, Sapphire makes an OEM version (Same card) that could save you $50.

Yeah... I'm into overkill!
All habits included... At least none are illegal!