Latest drivers have status function from the begining. But drivers without status funcion can be chosen for some printers.
Status function is based on the Windows standard function. So message to show the status can be seen on "Printers & Faxes" or spooler.
It is possible to have application get the status. You can get the sample program on Microsoft site
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;202480