I have Word 97, which will open a .wps file no problem, converting it to a format that Word can use. When you go to save it, you have the option of using the Save As... so you can save it in Word rather than Works.

Are you trying to open the Works files by double-clicking on them on a computer that does not have Works installed? If so, try going into Word and opening the file from there, and it should just convert it for you. Or it may be that there's an incompatibility between the verions of software you have and it can't convert.

You should be able to re-install Works and use the original files.