Win 9x include a function called 'direct cable connection' (DCC). It can connect both PCs using a parallel or serial cable. You'll need a double ended parallel cable (if using parallel) not a printer cable. Printer cables have a Centronics plug at one end instead of two parallel plugs (ie IEEE whatever the spec is). You might be able to find a 'Centronics --> parallel' adapter but probably simpler to buy the serial or parallel cable.
Additionally there's 3rd party software that can do that sort connection as well eg Laplink, TranXit2 etc.
Alternatively do both machines have a LAN port? Or you could buy LAN cards for them - they're relatively cheap. Add a crossover LAN cable & the connection should be simple.
Note: If your laptop is old enough its card slot might be limited to the original PCMCIA specification and not the more recent PC-Card spec that superceded it. PC-Card slots are backwards compatible with PCMCIA expansion cards but not the other way around.