Local Printer Problem Printing to Network Resource

I have an Epson C80 connected to the parallel port of an Inspiron on WIN98 as a local printer. When I try to print a document I get an error message saying ...There was a problem printing to the network resource..." When I use the ink level utility, it flashes for a while, uses up my system resources and I have to reboot. The nozzle check prints successfully but the nozzle clean seems to do nothing. I am using the downloaded driver and utility.  The Inspiron used to be on a network that had a desktop as the print server.  When the networking log-in box appears I click on Cancel.