Instal x86 drivers on a x64 Vista?

Hi! I'm new to the forum. Maybe someone can help me with this "pickle" of a problem.

I am running x64 version of Windows Vista Business and I've discovered that I need to install some x86 drivers. However, when I do I get this message:

[The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.]

The error message occurs when I try to execute the setup program for the Microsoft Sidewinder Pro Force Feedback joystick. I know its old and came out before there was even such a thing as x64. I would like to know if it is at all possible to still install x86 drivers by overriding or disabling the security in Vista with the slight chance they may work, even if it is only partial functionality.

I've tried running setup in XP Compatibility Mode without success.

Am I just being silly here or can it be done? Somehow I thought it might be backwards compatible.

You can run most 32 bit software but when it come to drivers they have to be 64bit.

Darn. I thought I might be able to at least emulate the driver, but I guess not.

I think I need to explore the website more and see if I can educate myself on what can and cannot be done about my joystick (if anything at all).

Thank you PaulGo!

The reason drivers have to be 64bit is because it is the drivers that sit between the os and the bios. This is why you can use nearly any gfx card to work with a game. It is the drivers that translate the info the bios requires to work.