Making Custom Hardware

Ok /prog/

I want to build my own hardware for my computer but have no clue where to start.  My design will be simple game controller with 6 buttons (up, down, left, right, A, start).  I would LIKE a usb connection, but a serial port or parallel seems more simple.

I also need to program it.  What would be the best method for making custom drivers?

Are there any good tutorials for making simple hardware like this? (I'm running window XP)

>>16
>>4

Fine.

What do you know? How to implement USB?     no
How microcontrollers work?                 yes
How to design circuits?                     no
How to make a LED blink?                   yes
Ohm's Law?                                  no
Do you know what a resistor looks like?    yes
Which end of the soldering iron gets hot?  stupid memes.