Another option would be to get a PCI parallel port and set that up, but even some of them are low on the volts. Even with a decent port it is best to have an optically isolated breakout anyway. There are lots of them about, I have used PMDX122 in the past and am actually using one in my lathe retro that I am doing at present. I also have another breakout board in this lathe, its from CNC Building Blocks and although I havent used it yet (lathe not finished) it is well made, well thought out and best of all it will take the Index pulse from my encoders and use that for very accurate homing.
Hood