Internet Explorer 8 is not required to use the Intel Driver Update Utility. I use Firefox 3.5 on my home computer and sometimes use Internet Explorer 8 for sites where Internet Explorer works better. If you use Firefox, then you must make sure that Java is loaded and enabled on your browswer. When you click on the "Check your system for the latest updates" button, you will need to give permission to run a Java program to detect what devices and drivers are installed.
If you use Internet Explorer, the permission bar is at the top of the page and is easy to miss. No matter whether you want to use Internet Explorer or Firefox browswers, you must permit the program to run.