Computer question from an idiot!!!?

I have bought a new microsoft keyboard which I thought would be just a straightforward change over. However, it comes with a disc and states 'software must be fitted first'. Problem is the drawer on my tower that takes discs is broken. Before I tear wrapping etc off can someone please tell me if it is essential I use this bit of software or if I purely want to work as a keyboard I can go ahead and change over?