Did you test the Sidewinder first in Windows, under Game Controllers? There is a square panel with a crosshair in it that should move regardless of calibration. If it does move then next calibrate it in Games Controllers before launching Aces High. Then, start Aces High and calibrate it there also, ensuring you move ALL of the analogue devices as instructed to their full range of movement.
In my experience if you fail to do the last step then AH will not respond to a moved analogue control later (it will ignore those inputs).