I finally was able to get my laptop to activate my opto-relays like it did before I first installed Win2000. It seems it definately had something to do with how the operating system managed power to the parallel port. I reformated yet again and installed the original operating system (Win98) that came with the Toshiba laptop when I first got it. It seems the version of Win98 that comes with the laptop has a few differences with it over the standard, off the shelf version. It seems to have some needed drivers that are specific for the laptop. Not only did it fix the problem with the parallel port it also fixed a couple issues I was having with the default display device, which before did not allow me to view 1024 x 768. After I confirmed everything was working I decided to try installing Win 2000 again, except this time I did it as an upgrade and not a complete new installation. Amazingly everything still worked properly with the router controls.
Now I am all set. Once I figure out how this Mach2 software works of course.
Thanks