i just bought my boyfriend a ps3 for christmas and the controller that came in the bundle will not work... it's called a sixaxiz dualshock3 wireless controller but it only works with the usb cable plugged in... when we first opened the box, he turned on the ps3 and plugged in the controller to charge it and we left for the day. when we came back... same story. someone please help!!!
ok i tried turning it off and waiting an hour... still nothing... i used a different usb cord and nothing. when i push the ps button and it asks if i want to turn off the system or controller... it keeps saying that its charging and then charge complete... but then it charges again... its like it cant make up its mind... if its charged or not...
checked for the firmwear... system said i had all the updates ness. nothing more to update....

the PS3 controller only charges when the PS3 is on and the USB cable is connected the lights will flash once it is fully charged it will no longer flash and it tells you the controller is fully charged after that all you have to do is press the PS button and it should turn on without the USB cable

I read this answer a long time ago about a person having the exact same problem, problem wasn't the controller it was the USB cable not charging the controller properly.

By your description it does sound like the battery's getting charged, i have a similar problem when i use my USB cable and the Rock Band USB hub. So try a different USB cable, i have the same sort of connection on the controller, on my Mp3 player, Digital Camera etc...

THIS MIGHT WORK

switch off ur ps3 and take cable out of usb hub then press ps button on controller if it doesn't turn on and u see flashing lights on ur controller connect to pc then press ps button then connect to ps3 turn it on and press ps button .

Hope this helps