yay, plugged it in, all good.
i used a 470ohm resister to each segment.
I'm not sure what you mean about not applying a voltage to them. I have to apply a voltage to create a high or low signal. Or in other terms, to have electricity 'flow' through a circuit i need voltage don't i?
sorry if im' not making myself clear. its been a long while since i did basic electronics at school :0)