Gameport manipulation of a program overlaying MS SoundRecorder AND playing in the background!

The subject line pretty much said it all...

I'm trying to plug a footpedal into a gameport to interface with my Windows98 SoundRecorder, and I don't know if it's possible. I'm not sure where to start.

I was hoping to write a program, which I could manipulate with the game port which would in turn manipulate SoundRecorder, and work in the background, allowing me to use Word and my mouse in the foreground.

They sell proprietary footpedals and software, but for Outrageous fees, and SoundRecord can accept many formats.

Any help would be fantastic
jjb