What is a driver and why do I need the latest version?

Drivers are software that tell your computer how to communicate with the video and sound cards. Old drivers may not contain all the commands necessary to run the game.

Step 1: Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX.

Step 2: Determine what type of video or sound card you have:

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8:

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, then Control Panel, then System.

Click the Hardware tab, then the Device Manager button. (In Windows 7, just click Device Manager.)

Click the PLUS (+) sign or arrow in front of Display Adapters.

Write down the info that appears just below Display Adapters.

Click the PLUS (+) sign or arrow in front of Sound, Video and Game Controllers.

Write down the info that appears just below Sound, Video and Game Controllers.

Step 3: Armed with the name of your video or sound card, search the web for the latest drivers. New drivers can usually be obtained free from the manufacturer.