Cannot detect scanner

There is going to be issues with connecting it in this fashion. The usb adapters are not addressed the same as a real parallel port. This means that the drivers probably do not have a chance at working. The other issue is usb ports on laptops rarely have the power to drive devices larger than a mouse or keyboard. This means that the usb adaptor may not have enough power to function. Try plugging it into a powered usb hub then to the laptop. This may give it enough power to do what you want if the drivers are compatible of course.

Good Luck.

If all else fails goto goodwill and get a usb scanner. I always see stacks of them. Most are the usb type.