Yes, there is a patch for CFS 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs3/downloads.aspx
It says on this page that you MUST use DirectX 9.0
And while your at it, you might run the DirectX diagnostic -
Start/Run/Dxdiag to make sure what version of DirectX you are using and
whether it's working properly.
And lastly, is your joystick a "Wingman Extreme" or a "Wingman Extreme
Digital"? Analog joysticks plug into the 'gameport' (serial port) on your
sound card, whilst a digital joystick plugs into your USB port.
Good luck,
Bumper7
aka USMC_Bumper7 at FighterAce
https://fighterace.ketsujin.com//Default2.asp