Windows 9x security is just smoke and mirrors, basically worthless since all you need to do is hit cancel and it will bypass it.
To do what you want, you need a third party security program.
Winzip and many other zip managers allow you to zip a folder and password protect the zip file .
There are also various encryption and password protection programs which do not compress things.
Crypto Lock file protector is free
http://powercrypt.ovsoft.com/
Compusec security suite
There are also programs which will make a folder on your hard drive a "virtual drive" which is encrypted and requires a password (This may be best approach)
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/cryptoexpertlite.html
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CryptoExpert 2005 Lite allows you to create a virtual drive and use it to securely store documents, images or any other files. The content of the secure container acts and looks just like any other drive, however it is encrypted on-the-fly and only accessible if the user has logged in. Additional features include integrated emailing of files, secure file deletion, auto or hotkey dismount and more. The program uses 128-bit CAST encryption, and the free version is limited to a 20mb container size, you can create multiple containers, each up to 20 mb.
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http://www.snapfiles.com/get/cryptainer.html
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Cryptainer LE enables you to create a secure container on your PC, using powerful 128 bit strong encryption - without changing the way you work. The software creates new virtual drive letter(s), and all files that are added to this drive are encrypted on-the-fly. You can also create a secure storage container on any media including external and removable drives (e.g. USB drives, CD etc). The drive letter is accessible through Windows Explorer just like any other drive - as long as you are logged into the Cryptainer PE interface. If the program is terminated, the files in the secure drive are no longer accessible to other users - you can access them at any time by logging in with your password. Using this method, you can automatically keep a secure area, that can only be accessed by you, without having to encrypt individual files manually - just login once. In addition, Cryptainer LE allows you to send files with encrypted email messages, using self-decrypting EXE attachments that do not require any software to be installed by the recipient. The free version is limited to a container size of 25 mb, however you can create an unlimited number of such 25 mb containers.
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More options here