windows98 not sensing usb port/ desperate

hello there
i am desperate to find out how i can make windows 98 realize that my little old thinkpad does have a usb port - have never used usb port up till now, but bought printer - can't install it because computer tells me there is no printer connected - device manager does not list usb as one of my ports - printer does not take any other cable - tried to get any and all updates available from microsoft site, it told me there are no driver updates for this computer - have already spent 4 of total 14 days in which i could return printer for refund - any help would be appreciated a lot
cheerio
melinda

 

Did you go into your BIOS to check that the USB port is turned on? Also read your manual that came with the printer to see if they want you to load the drivers before or after you plug in the printer.

 

Russ is right about installing the printer drivers before you connect the printer to the USB, and about going into the BIOS. You have mentioned this is an old machine, and some of these has the USB hub disabled by default, it was new technology at the time.