Loss or use of LPT1 port

Every other time I rebbot a win98 pc HP it flashes up that the printer port at LPT1 is use by another program when it is actually not. The only way I can get the printer to work is to go to Control panel,system, devices,ports and remove the LPT! port and then reboot and let Windows recognize it. Does anyone have this similar problem or know how to fix it?