Playstation 3. "Plug in Controller USB and Press PS Button" Wired 3rd party controller

I am trying to fix a PS3 for the kids I work with. When turned on it displays "Plug in Controller USB and press PS button" The only controller I have is a 3rd party wired controller. I plug it in and push button. Nothing happens. Have tried Hard reseting console, changing outlets and nothing is working. Any ideas?