Have you tried listening for joystick events instead?
Python 2.4.1, pygame 1.7.1 linux kernel 2.6.17.6 logitech attack 3 joystick. The joystick works in planet penguin racer and cat /dev/js0 prints loads of rubbish as the joystick is moved or buttons are pressed but get_button and get_axis always return 0 whether the buttons are pressed or the axes are centralised or not. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Adam