Newbie - Enquiry on external hardrive detection

Hi - just an enquiry

I'm am using the Knoppix version 4.0 live cd. When I plugged in my USB 2.0 external hard drive it detected - and woorked with one problems.

However after reinstalling Windows on my system before installing the USB driver for my external drive. The Knoppix cd does not detect the usb drive.

If i install the usb drivers for my external drive in Windows. Then it detects in Knoppix.

Does anyone know why this would happen? Does Knoppix use the Windows drivers in way????

Thanks for any help