WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 3

Recently purchased two OEM computers from reputable company in SC. Both had XP Svc Pack 3 preinstalled. Attempted to load 3rd party sofware, eg. HP PSC 1410 All-in-One drivers. No go. Windows Installer refused to find the drivers on disk. Also refused to allow installation of drivers downloaded from HP. HP stumped. OEM stumped. Lots of customers same complaint: Service Pack 3 creates loads of problems. Svc Pack 3 even refused to allow Microsoft Lifecam, purchased new, to be loaded.
Has anyone suffered similar distress at the hands of XP Svc Pack 3?