I need to build an application that has a database but has to be standalone so no installation of drivers is needed as it is designed for a group of people who are just about computer illiterate.

I need to program this in VB.Net and was told there was a version of Access that could do what I am after.

If there isnt....... any ideas?

With VB.NET you can use any type of database you want. As long as you point to it in your code. Then you can compile your project and copy the executable to the users machine and they can run it. you don't need to run an installer with vb.net apps unless you have some custom stuff.

MS Access 2000/2003 will work or like said, any dbms will work.
You need to use OleDb* routines to connect, and manage the database.

See http://www.startvbdotnet.com/ado/msaccess.aspx
for further help.