problem with dev and twin usb joystick

[-=GGW=- $ol!d $n4>|e]

I have a ps2 (play station) to usb converter that converts 2 ps2 controllers to a usb device. I haven't had problems with them in the past but for some reason this time when dev mounts them at /dev/input/js0 it is corrupted. Where i used to get a simple number corresponding to the button i pressed when i did a cat /dev/input/js0 now i get a steady stream of unkown characters weather or not i'm pressing anything.

When i try to use them in a game they are detected, and the buttons are recieved, but they intermitently pressed. eg, if i'm holding forward it will be equivalent to me tapping forward repeatedly.

Any suggestion? I'm not sure how to check what driver dev is using to manage the device

thanks,
Michael