So I think you are in luck with that Vibra 16S.
If memory serves correctly, the CT28xx series still has the old Yamaha OPL chip on there, which will result in you having the right FM synth vibes when playing older DOS titles. I am not sure though, as I cant make out the Yamaha chip under all that dust 😀
The Vibra 16S were the first in the Vibra series, which was introduced as a cost saving measure, but the early Vibra16S models (not all!) do still have the genuine Yamaha chip. Later models of the Vibra series (later 16S, 16C and 16XV) all feature CQM chips instead of Yamaha, Creative's own take at emulating its sound, which was only to a certain degree successful.
The Vibra series has a newer DSP version in its DSP chip though, which will result in it having the widely known but rarely experienced hanging note bug, which will result in some tones hanging ad infinitum when changing levels, exiting games, etc., amongst others. But generally, what you are aiming at, using an external MIDI device with this card, is possible, as it has a fully MPU-401 compliant interface and gameport/MIDI connector.
What you would need is the once and still widely availyble MIDI/Gameport Breakout cable, on one side the Gameport Connector, on the other side both - a Gameport Connector as well as two standard MIDI DIN(5) plugs.
PS: Sorry, this pic.... it's rather big. I guess half the size would have sufficed 😀
PPS: With regards of getting those laptops to work with MIDI --> I dont know these models, but if they run XP already, then a standard MIDI->USB adapter would work out of the box. If they are still under Win9x, you either need a laptop with a gameport/MIDI connector, or use an older MIDI->USB breakout adapter like from Roland (because for Win9x you need specific drivers). Some ThinkPads featured for example a Gameport adapter cable or had the Gameport/MIDI connector ONLY on the docking station, but not on the laptop itself.
Long story short: To connect any of those old Computers to MIDI devices you need a MIDI port (usually comes in Gameport fashion in those times) or need a MIDI adapter if your PC has none. On your old Desktop machine, that job is done by the gameport/MIDI connector on the soundcard. Your laptop may have it as well (probably only on the docking station OR as some proprietary breakout cable if it's an IBM ThinkPad.) Example for that: I have a ThinkPad 760, and it does have a Gameport/MIDI connector on the laptop itself, but its a proprietary connector (to save space), and you need to plug in a special cable which ends in the normal Gameport.