You might want to check your PC parallel port signals with a scope or meter to make sure they are still activating and test the relevant optocopler on your breakout board if your system is very old.
The optocouplers are usually the small ICs, often 4-pin, that are arranged in a row near the in/out ports on your breakout board. The LEDs inside these chips can fail, resulting in a signal not firing.
If your board is old, and these ICs are through-hole components, they can be easily replaced with ones purchased from an electronics retailer, with only beginner soldering skill required.
If signals that should appear on your parallel port, do not appear, then it is likely your computer motherboard needs replacing.
I'd suggest a refurbished Win XP or Win7 box rather than searching for legacy motherboards.