It will not work without the driver. Even if You don't need ADB you still need to install aforementioned Rockchip-driver from Release_DriverAssitant.zip for RKBatchTool to see your device in Bootloader mode.
Steps:
0) Download the firmware you need, it is supposed to be an *.img file. Probably this
version 1. It has to be unpacked. RK Driver assistant and RKBatchtool are included in the firmware download. There is an English pdf in the download describing the procedure too. I found this confusing sincce it is written for another device.
1) Install the driver, reboot if necessary.
2) Run RKbatchtool
3) On the eReader: Press Reset while holding the Refresh button. Keep holding the Refresh button. This and the next step will put the device into Boatloader mode.
4) Connect the device to you computer. Wait 5s, release the Refresh button.
Follow the instructions on the aformentioned page (How to unbrick) Step 8.
.
If everything worked out well and your ereader is working again I strongly recommend updating to firmware version 2.0.0.b as described
here, since the performance especially the battery life is significantly improved with the update.