[XP] Foot pedal works for only certain kinds of voice files, but not others

Using windows XP.
I have been using a Sanyo 3-pedal foot pedal, with usb connector, to listen to voice dictations using Express Scribe. I started receiving digital voice dictations using a different playing software and my sanyo pedal would not work. I have to use an Infinity 3-pedal foot pedal, with usb connector, to listen to those non-Express Scribe dictations.
When a voice message comes in to Express Scribe, I have to plug in the Sanyo pedal. When a voice message comes in which is not Express Scribe, I have to unplug the Sanyo and plug in the Infinity pedal.

Why can't one 3-pedal foot pedal enable me to listen to both? Better still, is there a way that I can get either one of these pedals to listen to both types of voice dictations?

It's hard to say for certain, but my guess is that each foot pedal is sending a coded signal, in much the same way as infrared remote controls work. And in much the same way as your TV remote doesn't turn on your DVD recorder, a similar situation is occurring with these foot pedals. The only hope of getting one pedal to work with both types would be to see if the software authors have a solution, I cannot think of any gereric way that you might be able to do anything.

SuperSparks:
You are probably right. I was hoping that someone would suggest a "universal" foot pedal. Maybe I will pose the problem to the Express Scribe site and see what happens. Thanks.

Foot pedal...reminds me of the old story about the tech support guy that got a call from an old lady wondering why her foot pedal didn't work - she had her mouse on the floor pushing it with her foot. :D