unfortunately even for old hardware Win10/11 is almost mandatory.
almost. can you strike lucky with sound cards/usb audio devices which is my thing.
Realteks audio drivers/software are massive so i prefer a usb audio interface.
Here are some usb audio interfaces and usb dac's known to work(factory supported) with 7 and 8.1
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100, DacMagic 200 maybe
ESI MAYA44 eX PCIe Audio Interface.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo(3rd gen)
Lexicon Alpha - i use this

Tascam - nearly all current range are w7/8.1 capable
Anything gaming orientated by Creative and others are practically guaranteed to be w10/11 only.