re-install XP wizard?

Whenever I add a new piece of hardware to my XP machine the 'add new hardware' wizard appears but flashes between the 'have disk' and another tab on the prog and I am unable to select an option to get the wizard running properly.
Assuming that the wizard is 'corrupt' I have tried to re-install it but inserting the original XP disk immediately stops me and tells me I'm using a later version (i guess, due the service pack updates). I seem to recall an option in 98 allowed you to check/update/reinstall such utilities but I do not know where to begin with XP.
I just need to reinstall the wizard, surely Microsoft's web site should provide this service option!
Please help as I need to get my Sony Camcorder working for my one week old daughter :tired:confused
thanks in advance
Nick