Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Subject to a 14 day return policy, I have a new-to-me XP USB based 
PC.  Problem: no joystick port to hook up MIDI I/O.  Not sure I want 
to get into MOTU XT Express (8x8 parallel ort MIDI patch bay) as that 
is too heavy duty for current needs.  PC only has 3 slots--not sure I 
want to tie it up with an old soundcard, just for joystick port.  
Budget is extremely tight.

(1)  What do other usb-PC users use for MIDI? (and what is the cost)?
(2)  Any other suggestions?

Thanks