do some Games not support a ps3 wired controller

I was given a ps3 a few weeks ago, it came with no controller, so Being stupid I only had enough money this month to buy a cheap 3rd party wired one. It works while navigating the ps3 dashboard but I noticed my cousin who gave it to me still had socom 4 beta on there. I thought okay Ill try it, it prompted me to sign in but couldnt since psn is down and then it says cannot detec wireless controller. Im confused, it works on the ps3 dashboard but not there? am I missing something?

It might not have the sixaxis that some games need.