[pip22]

IBM's position on this is based on the fact that Windows 98 (ie prior to 98SE) had a very poor record where USB was concerned. 98SE largely addressed that, among other things.

Have you checked in Control Panel->Device Manager too see if the USB ports are actually listed, or is this the very problem you are referring to (not listed)?

If they are listed then your system has obviously detected them so you don't need a driver for the actual ports, what you do need is a driver for whatever device you want to plug into them --- and only the manufacturer of that device (scanner, printer, card reader etc.) can supply that.

If the ports haven't been detected, or no Windows 98 drivers are available for your peripheral usb devices, you may have to consider upgrading to a more "usb friendly" version of Windows.