I finally solved the problem and so thought I'd post the solution to save anyone else with a similiar problem the headaches I've had with this. The solution was simply a case of finding out how to install an xp driver on vista. I have pasted the steps below. Variations can easily be found by searching on google, bing etc.
Download the respective installer package for the driver you wish to install on Windows Vista. The installer package is located on the original manufacturer's installation disk that came with the device you're installing. It may also be available from the device manufacturer's website.
Step 2 Use your mouse to right-click on the installer package for the driver.
Step 3 Click "Properties" from the pop-up menu. A preferences window will appear on the screen.
Step 4 Click the tab that reads "Compatibility."
Step 5 Click the check box next to "Run this progam in compatibility mode for...."
Step 6 Select "Windows XP" from the drop-down menu and press the "OK" button to apply the changes and close the window.
Step 7 Install XP drivers in Vista. Double-click the XP driver's installer package. Windows Vista will now open the driver in Vista Compatibility Mode. The Windows Vista operating system will tell the XP driver that it is running on a Windows XP machine, thus allowing the installation process to continue where it would otherwise have stopped.
It may also help to tick the box at the bottom which says ''Run this program as an administrator''