The IDirectInputDevice8::SendForceFeedbackCommand method enables you to turn off the device's actuators (effectively causing it to ignore any effects that are being played), pause, stop, or continue playback of effects, and reset the device so that all downloaded effects are removed.
To retrieve the current force-feedback state, use the IDirectInputDevice8::GetForceFeedbackState method. This method returns information about whether the actuators are active, whether playback is paused, and whether the device has been reset. It also retrieves information about various switches and whether the device is currently powered.