The input system for the demo and the full version is the same, so if the demo works the full one should too.
I would suggest to try restarting your computer and try again first of all. Also, make sure you don't have any other joysticks/input devices (such as pedals, drawing tablets etc) connected at the same time, that might cause a conflict.
Also, there was an automatic Windows 10 update that rolled out last year that broke the USB drivers. You can find more information on how to fix it here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wF9BgUEZSSCORfa4lauR_EivjLp8ohZJ/view?usp=shari...
Keep an eye on the little circles above the OK button as you go through the Calibrate Controller procedure in Freerider, you should be able to move some of the little circles smoothly up and down.
Let me know if you need more information!