Drivers are a very important element when it comes to keeping your PC functioning properly. A driver is a program specifically designed to help a piece of hardware (a device such as a printer or sound card) communicate with your operating system. Because there are so many hardware devices available, and because operating systems are frequently upgraded, it may happen that at some point or another, you are missing the correct driver needed to allow your device to function properly.

If this happens, you will know because the device will not work at all or will not work properly. If your device is old, it could be that it is failing, but with relatively new devices, a missing driver is likely the culprit.

To locate a missing driver, there are three main places you can check:

1. The manufacturer's website. This is the best way to get the most up-to-date driver available. Manufacturers frequently issue updated drivers to improve performance and security, so if your driver is old enough, you may simply need the updated version. Visit the website of the company that made the hardware you are struggling to use with the rest of your PC. There should be drivers for each specific product and each operating system with which a product is compatible. Follow the installation instructions, restart, and see if the problem is fixed.
2. Try the original driver. If for some reason you can't find a driver on the device manufacturer's website, check the installation CDs that came with the device. If you haven't not run the CD, do so. If you have, look through the data to see if you can find a driver. It may not be the most current version with regards to security, but there is a good chance that it will allow you to use the device.
3. If neither of these methods work, run the Windows Add Hardware Wizard. After searching for driver-less devices (make sure the device is attached) you will be able to instruct the Wizard to locate a driver. Keep in mind that the driver Windows finds is likely to be out of date, so whenever possible, go directly to the manufacturer's website whenever you need to locate a missing driver.