Vistascan 3.1 I have umax astra 1220P scanner (parallel port) ver 3.1. But it is not working with win xp. please solve the prob.

I tried to resurrect my Astra 1220P scanner to work with my WinXP Home machine. I began by calling UMAX, they told me I needed XP drivers and suggested that I purchase the VistaScan 3.55 driver CD for $18.00. They also told me to get a Parallel to USB Adapter Cable, which I purchased from Radio Shack. When the CD arrived, I went to work installing the cable & loading the drivers to no avail. The scanner does not appear in the Device Manager list under image devices or other devices, In fact, it is not anywhere in the list.
Of course the scanner does not work. I called them back and asked for assistance, they told me they could not guarantee operation of the unit using a Parallel to USB Adapter Cable...and sorry, we cannot refund the cost of the driver CD. Isn't that special - I was so looking forward to scanning some slides and film because I had previously purchased a Transparency Adapter.
Now I begin my search for a new scanner that will work with transparencies.
Anyone have a suggestion?