silly question thats prob been asked hundreds of times on here, but does the ps3 need to be on to charge the conroller? also will it charge in a computer usb port?

thanks

The PS3 needs to be on, the controllers will recharge in a PC USB port with the PS3 off.

I can't get mine to charge via the PCs USB sockets

check that your pc is set up to send power via usb - not all are

I also tried a mains usb charger and couldn't get that to work either.

I believe the USB ports have to be 2.0 compliant as 1.1 USB connections will not charge. This may be the issue. I'm not entirely sure if this is the case but I suspect it might be.

I tried it on my powered USB 2.0 sockets and it didn't work. I'll have a play.

just bought a second hand controller off here but it didnt come with a cable so i tried my nokia n95 cable but although it fitted it didnt charge from my pc, (i havnt got my ps3 till xmas)

a quick look in device manager revealed my usb was "allowed to be turn off this device to save power" i unchecked the box and the controller started to flash at me which i assume it means its charging, its a slow flash, much slower than pressing the little ps button

Yep, that sounds right, the flash when it is charging is slower than the synching charge.

That might be it then.

stupid question then but does it stop flashing when charged or does it carry on flashing?

The light should go solid on if it was on if the controller was on before you started charging it.

hmmm, mine went out after about 10-15 mins, dunno if it was turned on or not, suppose ill have to wait a few more weeks yet

That is fine. If it was off when you started charging it, all the lights will go off when it is fully charged.

Are you saying that in the PS3 settings menu somewhere, you can make the ps3 charge the controllers when it is put on standby/turned off?

If so can you exactly describe each step to achieve this.

I have searched for "device manager" on my PS3 settings menu and couldnt find anything titled as such.

On a side note, when will someone release something that allows you to charge the contollers from the mains.

Having the USB wire plugged in all the time at the front of the console makes the set up look ugly