I updated and it didnt do much. I played around with the settings, even though I dont think I changed much, and now it works for certain rumbles. I mostly play banjo kazooie right now just because...well, just because. just by chance I'm in click clock wood and the birds that poke their heads out of the holes in the tree give me a rumble, but being stung by bees doesnt.
I dont remember from the times I played with my friends (I have a playstation) but I dont believe there was more than one rumble setting (playstation had weak and strong). because of that I dont think that different rumbles should rumble differently, if that makes any sense, and therefore it is the same rumble message being sent to my controller every time I get hurt/fall/etc. so why would it work for some and not others? or are you not supposed to rumble when you're stung by bees? or could it be the rom or emulator not picking up all the rumble messages?
if you've got any answers feel free to post.