This is not necessarily true!
I have a Compaq Presario F700 and I've installed Windows XP on it.
I had difficulty finding the drivers, but I finally found them all, even the Microphone and the headphone too.

Here is the list of the drivers I've used and how to install them:
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1- Video and Ethernet Controller:
download and install this file:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechS...Item=ob-41728-1

This setup file has the required driver for both Video and Ethernet Controllers.
After the installation, you should upgrade the Video Controller and the Ethernet Controller (both of them) in Device Manager. Use Have Disk and then select the appropriate files from the installation location.

here are the appropriate files:

The name of the file for Video card is "nv4_disp" and then from the list of the driver you should select "NVIDIA GeForce 6100"
The name of the file for Ethernet card is "nvenetfd" and then from the list of the driver you should select "NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller"
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2- Wireless
Pretty straight forward! Just download and install this file:
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp34001-34500/sp34152.exe
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3- Audio

First download and install this file (UAA):
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32646.exe

Then install this one: (You might get an ERROR, but don't worry!)
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp34001-34500/sp34386.exe

Next, go to Device Manager and update the driver for "Audio Device on High Definition Audio Bus"
use "have disk" and goto the installation directory (it's probably C:\Swsetup\SP34386)
the file name you need is "wis30B5a" and then select "Conexant High Definition Audio" from the list

So far you should have the speakers working. If not, make sure the computer is not muted by default.
The microphone may not be working. There's also another problem. When using the headphones, the speakers don't turn off!

you can solve these problems by re-updating the Conexant driver in Device manager.
To do so, download this file:
http://download116.mediafire.com/hrzdtnmqg...udio+221_XP.zip
it's a zip file. Unzip it. You don't need to install this program.
just update the Conexant driver in Device Manager, using "Have disk" and use "WiSVHe5.inf" This file is in the unzipped folder.

After re-updating, reboot your computer and the problem should be solved 
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I hope this helps 
I've been there and I know it sucks!