I can't seem to get any of my gamepads to configure on my pcsx2 9.6. I mean, I take the time to assign the keys over and over I even saved each gamepads settings but every time I exit the configuration screen and click right back in, it's like I never even punched in anything it stays blank. It does the same for my keyboard. So the games run but I can't do anything with them. Is there something wrong this version? should I upgrade to 9.8? Someone help a player out.

Yes, you should upgrade. And you should read the faq, inwhixh you will find useful info about this problem.