Using outside drivers?

Hi, I really need to just be pointed in the right direction. I am new to VC++ programming so I really don't know what to call what I am trying to do. I need to have a program I am writing access hardware via the drivers included with the hardware. I want to be able to have the user select the driver for the device and then have it call the configuration software for that device and interact with it. I really don't know where to even start looking for this. If someone could just tell me where to look. Thanks a lot :)

-Nick