You need to understand why certain apps are included or removed in each version of Windows. They are usually done so, one way or another, due to either a threatened lawsuit, or overall user feedback. You may complain about the Mail program, but I prefer it to not be included, but be available for download if I choose to use it. I don't like having extra software on my computer that I don't use. See the point? If you want to use it...it's a simple download. If not, it isn't on your system. Everyone wins. I believe Microsoft might be taking this concept a step further by including an App Store in the next version of Windows, but I'm getting off topic. Those few little apps are hardly a reason to like or dislike a very good, make that great, OS.
I did some quick Googling before I left work, and found people who are able to use that drive on Windows 7. If it doesn't have specific drivers available for the controller, then it should just work. You also may have misinterpreted my Windows Update comment. I wasn't asking if the OS was up to date. I assumed it was obvious that I meant to run Windows Update with the drive connected, but I guess it wasn't that obvious. Give that a shot. Windows Update includes a huge number of drivers that aren't included on the DVD.
Also, I may have missed something, but what internal drive are you trying? If that doesn't work, then you really have something strange going on with the OS. It wasn't a hacked install, or one done with vLite, was it?
As a side note, when you quote someone, use the quote button...it separates out the part you are commenting on, making for an easier read.
