Each computer component requires a driver (a program which allows hardware to communicate with OS). Windows 7 has drivers for all most widely used hardware. It means that when you install "7", you do need to look for drivers the OS does everything for you automatically (there are some exceptions).
There is no specific printer that you "need" for Windows 98. Any printer with a Windows 98 driver should work.
Windows Vista has a different sound than Windows XP. If you don't hear any sound at all, you may need to reinstall your audio driver.
You should not pay for any driver updates. Microsoft or not.
If you mean os, no you can download it on Windows, Mac, and Linux even (if anyone uses linux...) and if you mean web browser I think you may use any but might need java.
You need to install appropriate sound driver for the card. Use the laptop manufacture website (Dell.com, HP.com and so on) to find what you need.
To get a wireless adapter to work with Windows XP (or any version of Windows), you need to install a device driver. This is usually provided by the manufacturer on a CD. If you have lost the CD, you can usually also download one from the manufacturer's website.
Any of them can be used. Windows XP or Windows 7 is recommended. Mainly for driver compatibilities.
There aren't any. Sometimes, a driver for Vista x64 will work on XP x64, so should try that first. If it does not work, you will need to purchase another printer.
Do you mean any other software, or another operating system? If you mean any other software, whatever browser you used to visit this site and ask the question would count. If you mean another operating system, Linux is one example; it will run on just about any hardware that windows will (some peripherals may have proprietary Windows-only drivers, though this is relatively rare, and many times there is a generic driver that will allow them to work at reduced functionality).
Windows 7 can be installed without any driver-software. It includes native drivers for the operating system to work. After the installation Windows Update will find the needed updates for many of the drivers. If you are missing any after the install and update you can go to the manufatureers website and download the ones missing or old.
Absolutely yes.
CDs and DVD drives conform to a standard interface, and thus do not need a specific driver. Any operating system from Windows 95 to Vista, Linux, and Mac OS 8 and above include generic support for CD and DVD drives.