Check the "graphs" in both windows calibration, and the game calibration first. You'll be able to see whats what. The other thing is to use a POWERED USB hub. I have my throttle, stick, and pedals plugged into a hub, then the hub into the computer. Having the powered hub gets rid of all kinds of fluctuations you could see in the settings.
If that doesn't settle things down, THEN I'd open them up.