Summary of my question
Can you use a MIDI keyboard without the driver software? I understand that using the driver software makes it a lot easier, but (as I explain below) I cannot install the driver software. So is there some way of manually dictating to the computer what each key on the keyboard is, thus essentially creating my own driver for it? (note: yes I'm aware this is over simplifying it - I really don't know much about MIDI technology)
Context and depth
I have my step-brother's ancient Midiman Keystation 49. I don't know exactly how old it is, but on the box it boasts that it'll work with Windows 94, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Mac OS 8.6, so it's fair to assume the thing is pretty old. Nonetheless, it's been kept in good condition, remains completely unbroken and when plugged in the little screen lights up. On the screen, the numbers change in accordance with the data entry slider. Exactly what this does is irrelevant; the point is that the keyboard is responsive and I suspect fully functional.
The problem is making it communicate with my computer. I know the fault cannot be in the cable nor the laptop USB port, because I use both regularly.
I read on this thread here that the Midiman Keystation 49 (unlike later models) needed a specific driver to be installed. Amazingly, you can still download that driver here however the latest version is for Mac OS 10.8.5 and I'm running Mac OS 10.11.5.
I tried installing it however this didn't work as the installer failed saying "The Installer could not install the software because there was no software found to install". I would attribute this failure to the fact the the driver said it was only compatible up to Mac OS 10.8.5, however the installer also ran "a program to determine if this software can be installed" and I got past that stage fine. However that's another issue, for now I think it's safe to assume that I cannot get my hands on a driver for this MIDI keyboard.
Spec
MacBook Pro 13-inch (late 2011)
OS X El Capitan 10.11.5
