Context: driver versions matter on older systems.
The Hardware ID on this system was (VID_148F & PID_7601), which maps to the RT7601 chipset.
That’s why this exact driver was required.
Exploring an Old PC #3
To enable WiFi, I used a USB Wi-Fi adapter and installed the MediaTek RT7601 driver (Windows 7, 32-bit) via a pen drive.
Watz a driver?
It’s the layer that lets the OS communicate with hardware ,without it, the hardware can’t be used.