Big scanner, Big problems

To scan William's Pud graphic novel, part one completed after over a year's work, I borrowed Allan's old scanner which has a nice large platen. However, I found that my computer could not see it. I tried it on the Lynex downstairs and on William's Windows 7 and those didn't work either. Finally I pulled out the XP laptop and low and behold, I got it working. I needed to use a third party driver. To get the book he drew in to sit flat, I need to hold the overhanging cover open by installing a microphone stand beside it, as well as putting heavy books on top of it.