Windows 7

Hi! I bought a new laptop and it brought Windows 8, which I totally and absolutely HATE. It also did not bring a numbers pad, which I need for my work. I have since found out that I could get a numbers pad to use it through the USB ports. The problem is that Win8 for the most part ignores those ports. I cannot use flash drives with it, just as I'm able to do with my old Vista laptop. And researching online, I found the same complaint from other users. I know there is ahack for it, but I do not feel competent to alter my computer's allocation of drives to make it "believe" that my USB ports are part of drive C and be able to use them like I do in my old, and rickety laptop. My question is, does Win 7 or Win 2000 accept USB external drives and flash drives? I need those constantly! Would I be able to use the Num pad with it like any other USB attachment?
I'm not a geek, I come here to learn stuff from you guys who kknow a lot in my opinion.
Thank you so much!