Alright I found a solution, of a kind.
My research has yielded the following information.
Neither my X-Box 360 or the Wired controllers are broken... However the
version of X-Box I have is not compatible with the Microsoft wired controllers. (
Ridiculous but true.)
The 3rd party controllers have been built to deal with this problem already. It has something to do with the USB ports all being seen as the same ID or... something. (
From what I've read.)
(
For the curious: X-Box 360 Slim models are among those effected by this.)
Vexingly I did not find a
perfect solution, I can still only use one of the Wired controllers at a time on the X-Box.
-=Solution=-(
Of a kind...)
The way to get 2 Wired controllers with no batteries on a X-Box 360 that rejects double Wired is as follows:
Since plugging in both Wired controllers isn't going to work sadly a 3rd controller will be required and additional parts.
Using a Wireless controller and the
Microsoft Microsoft Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit it is possible to play
without using any batteries. (
Including the charge pack that comes with the kit.)
Instead of attaching the rechargeable battery that came with the kit to the wireless controller, remove any batteries you have in the
default battery chamber on the wireless controller. Now connect the power wire to the controller and the wireless controller will be able to function whenever it is plugged into your X-Box. ^_^
It still transmits the information wirelessly though, the cord is only supplying the controller with power.
Both the Wired and Wireless controllers are seen as separate devices so they assign players correctly without a problem. ^_^
(
Only devices connecting via the USB ports will encounter the compatibility error.)
When your done make sure to unplug the wireless controller before turning off the X-Box.
The X-Box 360 will not fully power down while a Play and Charge wire is connected to it, it will continue to supply power to the controller. This is part of a feature so that it can continue to recharge the charge pack. But since there is no charge pack in the controller, it's best just to unplug it completely when done. ^_^
So that's it, not perfect but no batteries. ^_^
(
And I can use the other Wired controller with my PC or as a spare for my 360, so it isn't a total loss.)
Thank you everyone who posted suggestions, Rock on! ^_^