Downgrade rights for Windows 8 Pro require that the Windows 8 version be a preinstalled version. Retail Windows 8 Pro copies do not get downgrade rights.
Unfortunately "downgrade rights" are basically just what you tell the MS rep on the phone. As described
here; basically, it means you are "allowed" to install a previous version of Windows from the original media and using the original product key. The downgrade rights merely mean that when activation fails (if that copy of Windows was installed elsewhere) you can call Microsoft and explain that you are exercising downgrade rights and get an activation code.
Basically, you'd do exactly what you already did.
None of this will solve the issue you mentioned- you would have to find and download the drivers for the laptop. I'd do that first, and place them on a thumb drive or burn a disc with them on it before reinstalling Windows. That is assuming Windows 7 Drivers are available for the laptop. You'd have to look on the laptop manufacturer's support pages.