The IDirectInputDevice2::SendForceFeedbackCommand method allows you to turn off the device's actuators (effectively causing it to ignore any effects that are being played), pause or stop playback of effects, and reset the device so that all downloaded effects are removed.
To retrieve the current force-feedback state, use the IDirectInputDevice2::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 about whether the device is currently powered.