I know I may not have much luck with this but I am trying to use my Saitek X45 with Windows 7 64 bit system.

I did use my X45 a number of years ago and found it OK - although I did like my Thrustmaster system.

I've recently found 'Rise of Flight' and decided it's time to dig otu the X45. I've downloaded some sfotware but the controller installs but is simply not recognized nby Windows 7.

Does anyone have any exprience of getting an older joystick to work with Windows 7 or should I confine the X45 to the dustbin?

I originally had the Thrusmaster F-16 FLCS joystick, HOTAS and pedal set but that does not have a USB port. I did find this thread a while ago but never did anything about it:
http://www.warrenernst.com/thrustmaster

my x45 works just fine in win 7 64bit
i just download the latest driver and software from Saitek.

I can download the latest drivers from the Saitek site and install them.

When I play a game the joystick is not recognized.

I can see the X45 in the Devices and Printers screen. However, when I look at the game controllers in Windows there is no device shown.

I have no problems neither with my X 45 and win 7 64 bits, although I'll probably retire it soon for a X 52 pro or a Warthog

Mine also works fine in Win 7 64 bit. Forget the stupid gamepad icon. Ignore it.