How do i get my controller to work?

[infowarrior]

I'm totally new to all this emulator stuff and an having a bit of a problem. Got MAME installed etc and even got a few games up on screen but can't control them with the controller. I have no clue what I need to do. I presume I need to activate the controller somehow but not sure. It must be something basic that I've done or not done. Can anyone help please? The controller I've just bought is a saitek p380.

Cheers.

[ulaoulao]

Press TAB, and set up the default or "this game" controller. You just use the arrow keys to move to the control action and hit enter to allow the new assignment to be set.

[FatTrucker]

Press TAB, and set up the default or "this game" controller. You just use the arrow keys to move to the control action and hit enter to allow the new assignment to be set.

Worth adding that you do this 'in-game' not at the Mame menu screen.