I've encountered similar issues with older hardware on newer operating systems like Windows 10. It can definitely be frustrating when you can't find the right drivers! One approach that often works is using the compatibility mode built into Windows 10. Right-click the driver installer, go to Properties, then select the Compatibility tab and set it to run in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows, where the device previously worked well.
Another alternative could be to check if there's a generic SmartMedia card reader driver available as part of Windows 10 itself. Sometimes updating your system through Windows Update can help pull in these generic drivers if they weren’t automatically installed.
If those options don’t pan out, another route is checking third-party sites like DriverGuide or even forums where tech enthusiasts discuss legacy hardware support. Be cautious with downloads from non-official sites though - always ensure your antivirus software is active and up-to-date.
If all else fails, considering how affordable external card readers own become, picking up a new one that explicitly states Windows 10 compatibility might save you a lot of hassle down the road!