We have a label system that must run on 98. Newer versions of Windows have "total control" over the printer and conflict with the label software, resulting in lots of wasted labels.
You can change the printing to RAW, unspooled. I'm sure it can print via Windows. We have an old dedicated barcode printer that works fine from Windows, after some adjustments.
Share the printer hidden but with universal permissions - put a $ on the end of the share name. Set permissions to Everyone. On the "Details" tab of the printer properties page, change the spooling format to "Print directly to printer", "RAW".