Using a programmable interface (PIC etc.) and piping through the serial port works on windows 2000, XP, ME, NT, and 98 at least... I don't doubt it's ability to interact with the "new" and "improved" windows, personally.

I was most excited by the suggestion that we might be able to interact with the parallel port again -- but SmartPropo and the sound card is good enough for me if it will work on my computer!