if you are using plain 98 then find se and update...you want se

then install this bundled updater...
http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html

there is a usb update for plain 98...but you want se

you have to see the usb ports in the device manager

oh yes, your whole problem might just be that the motherboard chipset
drivers are not installed...from intel or via or sis etc....