If I recall correclty, the iTunes installer will refuse to install on any Windows lower than 2000. You could upgrade the laptop to 2000 or XP, but this might not be easy, because there may not be good driver suppport. Exactly which laptop do you own?

You could also use winamp with the Ipod plugin, but you won't be able to get support from Apple for that configuration. I've heard it works well, though.

Also, your laptop may not have USB2, which means you should be prepared for slower than normally sync times.

If it were up to me, I'd upgrade the laptop OS if at all possible. 2000/XP is a pretty good OS, while ME is a piece of garbage. Also, MS has only committed to 1 more year of security updates for the 98 family. This may be extended, though.