(XcdRoast) did you read the manual carefully (i know, but we have to start somewhere)? what error did it give you? if it is not usable, run it as root, enter setup, and add your username to the allow list. Also, you need to add a group (xcdwrite) and add users to that group (that's the group used by xcdroast for permissions). you sheould then be able to use it as the user specified.
(drivers) make sure that the drivers are for the same kernel version as your kernel. If in doubt, recompile the kernel and drivers (you will also need to compile at least the drivers if you compiled the kernel in the past for a later version). then try "modprobe via" or maybe "via*", or if you want to, compile the kernel (and drivers) with kernel autoloading support. That sould get the kernel to autoload any required drivers as needed.
(mandrake)sorry, can't help here. I use slackware.
one final note, take everything i say with a grain of salt, as i am a noob too. but hopefully this helps.
-t.