HP deskjet 1000

hello - I'm trying to fix a printer for a mate.
the problem: he has win2k, and the Hp deskjet 1000 printer. it connects via USB but there apears to be no communication between the printer and computer.
if I un-plug then re-plug the usb socket in i get a 'found new hardware' message but it doesn't recognise what it is, I specify the correct drivers to use thinking all will be well again but saddly no -
it seems that the computer and printer just aren't talking to eachother... whats the best way of going about this?
his mobo is an asus A7V333 (via chipset) would an all-in-one driver help me?

cheers

Is the printer spooler service running?

ah, good point - I shall check. it should be. i have since tried the same printer on another computer - still no luck...but may have not had right drivers on the other computer.

oh and yup - printer spooling is on.