The hardware was not installed because the wizard cannot find necessary software

Format the flash drive without using the executable installation program on the flash drive.

Insert new flash drive, do not let anything auto-run. View the drive in the file explorer. Right click on the drive and choose Format in XP to let XP do a full format (not a quick format) of the drive. This will ensure that the drive works on XP... it will then also be accessible on a newer system.

XP may also not be able to work with flash drives over 32GB, or will only give you access to the first 16 or 32GB.

A program that may help you is : http://hddguru.com/software/HDD-LLF-Low-Level-Format-Tool/

Choose option "Perform quick wipe (just remove partinions and MBR)"

Then use Easeus Partition Master to format and working:
http://majorgeeks.com/EASEUS_Partition_Master_Home_Edition_d5967.html

try windows update or hp support.

right click on the drive name and select autoplay and then browse the files

Windows update - USB mass storage drivers, or... goto the website for the brand of flash stick.. they may* have 98 drivers.. but don't count on it.. 98's very very very old.

try installing the flash drive once through add new hardware wizard from control panel. it might fix the problem for you. also plug the device directly into the usb slot present in the backside of the computer.

The USB driver installed by default. U need not have to install it separately. If it is not recognised then try to use it on another system, see whether it gets connected or not

Hello my friend.If your usb has U3 you must install U3 software.So download this.Insert your SanDisk U3 drive to your computer.
2. Double-click LPInstaller.exe
3. Click Next.
4. Select Accept then click Next.
5. Select Yes, backup and restore all data to restore your data after it is reformatted, then click Next
6. Click Next after confirmation of Installation Options.
7. Click Finish after the installation is completed.
Unplug it when is finished and plug it again and leave windows find it,dont do anything just wait the windows to set the device.

Fact is, unfortunately they're right - you shouldn't need any special driver for the MyBook, it's basic USB storage and XP should be able to use it without problems.

Apparently Windows is recognizing it as something else. Try booting in Safe Mode and checking hardware devices, uninstalling any Western Digital related stuff. Then, reboot the PC and power up the unconnected MyBook and wait a couple of minutes for it to stabilize, then connect it.

Check it also on another PC, just to be sure it does work.

UPDATE YOUR WINDOWS SOFTWARE FROM MICROSOFT OR YOUR VENDORS SITE, THERE MAY BE MORE SOFTWARE PATCHES FROM THE VENDOR TO FIX THAT TYPE OF PROBLEM