Why can I not bring back my printer to work on window vista?

Why can I not bring back my printer to work on window vista?

Because your printer does not enjoy the drivers it needs to generate it compatible with Vista. You can try going to the manufacturer's website and see if any are available.
basically uninstall your printer and install it again on windows vista. Make sure you hold the cd to install again. After that everything should be fine.
Windows Vista Comes with Preloaded Printer Software.

If you are Connecting the Printer Using a USB Cable a short time ago plug it in it will Install the REquired Drivers.

If you are Using a HP Printer simply log on to http://www.hp.com

and download the full feature software for your Printer Model.

If they are not Available basically Plug in the USB Cable the Vista OS will Install Drivers.