8.1 wont download software from my external hard drive autom

plugged in my external hard drive into my computer which has windows 8.1 installed. it noticed a device had been plugged in but would not automatically download its software like windows 7 does. does not show it in my hardware and devices in the control panel and I am unable to use it. how do I get 8.1 to download the software from this device?

• › [Solved] How do I download photographs from my digital camera
• › [Solved] Can't download apps from internet for Windows 8 RT
• › on windows 8.1 i lost my displays then downloaded Win 10. S
• › Multiple problems with windows 8.1
• › windows 8.1 wont let me upload picture to email
• › [Solved] changed OS from 7 to 8.1, will the PC start faster?
• › how can i download applications for my pc?