What operating system are you using? If you are using XP no drivers are needed but for 98 or ME drivers are required and there are generic drivers available, though not guaranteed.

Also it depends on the age of your computer, if your computer is an older model it may not support USB 2. To check to see what you do have in the way of USB controllers look at Device Manager for Enhanced USB contoller. Some older MBoards had both USB1.1 and USB controllers. Some of your USB ports may be only 1.1 & some 2.0.
If you are unsure if the USB ports work check in device manager to see if they are even installed.