Even most motherboards with onboard sound still have a midi plug/gameport for joysticks etc BaldEagl.
Xp should autodetect a sidewinder with no problem.
Just go into control panel, gameing devices, add joystick, select sidewinder.
It should pick it right up with no problems.
XP even picked up a CH Flight Yoke 6 buttons, 2 4 way hats and throttle that the wife found at the second hand store for a whole 3 $.
Anyone want a yoke?