when I started the modem link and then plugged in my phone, windows wouldn't auto detect the drivers either. I never installed verizon software nor do I want to. I then found just the drivers, not the whole application directly on the verizon website. Here is a direct link:
http://www.vzam.net/uploadedfiles/WM...rInstaller.exe

After downloading the .exe I just ran it on my computer (without my phone plugged in). Then when it was done and I plugged in my phone after starting the modem link, the computer detected the drivers properly and my phone now tethers.