[Dev-C++] Question abou Windows Programming

[<and...@su...>]

Dear Users,

   -I need to develop an application in a Windows environment;
   -This app has to use the USB port;
   -I am at the beginning of the 5th. ed "Programming Windows" Charles
Petzold book;
   -I am trying to still in a direct WinApi32 programming mode basis;
   -I´m using Dev-cpp to develop the examples and some pieces of my app;
   -This book is Windows 98/95 specific;
   -My operating system is Windows XP;
   -I´ve heard that there are restrictions to develop a device driver in
Windows XP and
   Windows 2000;

   My questions are:
   -Can´t any person develop an application that uses a paralell port, an
USB port, etc
    in the Windows XP and 2000?
   -If I am interested to continue to develop in this way, must I have a
Windows 98?

Regards
Andre Barros